Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Modesto

California
120

Orlando is 4% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,650/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 2%
$69,268/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 12%
$359,000 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 16%
$1,621/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ≈ Same
311,732
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,631/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Modesto — common questions

Is Orlando or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Modesto?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Modesto?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $8,631/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orlando and Modesto

Orlando vs. Riverside Orlando vs. Santa Ana Orlando vs. Corpus Christi Orlando vs. Cincinnati Orlando vs. Stockton Orlando vs. Irvine Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley