Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Modesto is 61% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,609/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 86%
$77,899/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 123%
$415,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 268%
$1,613/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 89%
218,614
Population
129,239

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,376/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $16,512/year.

Median household income is $95,771/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Modesto or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,376/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $95,771/year higher in Santa Clara.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Santa Clara

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville