Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Modesto is 3% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,609/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 17%
$77,899/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 4%
$415,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 19%
$1,613/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 14%
218,614
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $2,974/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Modesto or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $2,974/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Salt Lake City

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta