Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Sunnyvale, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Modesto is 65% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,609/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 90%
$77,899/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 133%
$415,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 337%
$1,613/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 87%
218,614
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,456/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $17,472/year.

Median household income is $103,963/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Modesto or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,456/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $103,963/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston