Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Modesto is 103% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,609/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 38%
$77,899/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 41%
$415,600 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 70%
$1,613/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 39%
218,614
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $32,054/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Syracuse slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Modesto or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Syracuse?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Syracuse?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $32,054/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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