Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Yonkers, NY (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Yonkers

New York
133

Modesto is 10% cheaper than Yonkers.

$1,609/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,730/mo ↑ 8%
$77,899/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,816/yr ↑ 5%
$415,600 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$478,000 ↑ 15%
$1,613/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,759/mo ↑ 9%
218,614
Population
209,529

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Yonkers, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 133 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $3,917/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $478,000 in Yonkers.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Yonkers slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Yonkers — common questions

Is Modesto or Yonkers cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Yonkers?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Yonkers it's $1,730/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Yonkers?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $81,816 in Yonkers. Median household income is $3,917/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Yonkers?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with rent of $1,730/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Yonkers details →

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