Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Modesto and West Palm Beach have a similar cost of living.

$1,609/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 6%
$77,899/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 11%
$415,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 11%
$1,613/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 3%
218,614
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $8,638/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Modesto or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $8,638/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and West Palm Beach

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings