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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Visalia

California
104

Modesto is 15% more expensive than Visalia.

$1,609/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 13%
$77,899/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 3%
$415,600 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 18%
$1,613/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↓ 6%
218,614
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Visalia, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $2,053/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Visalia — common questions

Is Modesto or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Visalia?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Visalia?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $2,053/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Visalia

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