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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Ventura

California
183

Modesto is 34% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,609/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 31%
$77,899/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 29%
$415,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 87%
$1,613/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 31%
218,614
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $22,508/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Ventura — common questions

Is Modesto or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Ventura?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Ventura?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $22,508/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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