Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Modesto is 52% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,609/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 31%
$77,899/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 34%
$415,600 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 46%
$1,613/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 21%
218,614
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $26,560/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Springfield — common questions

Is Modesto or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Springfield?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Springfield?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $26,560/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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