Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Modesto is 17% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,609/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ≈ Same
$77,899/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 5%
$415,600 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 35%
$1,613/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 4%
218,614
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,899/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Modesto or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and South Fulton?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or South Fulton?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $3,899/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and South Fulton

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley South Fulton vs. Greeley South Fulton vs. Sparks South Fulton vs. Sugar Land South Fulton vs. Dearborn South Fulton vs. Santa Maria South Fulton vs. Riverview