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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Modesto is 23% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,609/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 25%
$77,899/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 15%
$415,600 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 34%
$1,613/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 28%
218,614
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $404/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $4,848/year.

Median household income is $11,597/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Modesto or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Vallejo?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $404/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Vallejo?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $11,597/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Vallejo details →

More Comparisons

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