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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Torrance

California
218

Modesto is 45% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,609/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 38%
$77,899/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 45%
$415,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 149%
$1,613/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 42%
218,614
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $605/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $7,260/year.

Median household income is $35,206/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Torrance — common questions

Is Modesto or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Torrance?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $605/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Torrance?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $35,206/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Torrance

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco