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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Modesto

California
120

Oakland is 62% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,917/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 16%
$97,369/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 20%
$924,700 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 55%
$2,164/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 25%
438,072
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $19,470/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Modesto — common questions

Is Oakland or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Modesto?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Modesto?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $19,470/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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