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

New York

New York
166
VS

Modesto

California
120

New York is 38% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,779/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 10%
$79,713/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 2%
$751,700 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 45%
$1,837/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 12%
8,516,202
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $1,814/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Modesto — common questions

Is New York or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Modesto?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Modesto?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $1,814/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View Modesto details →

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