Cost of Living: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113
VS

Modesto

California
120

Port St. Lucie is 7% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,781/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 10%
$78,137/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,899/yr ≈ Same
$327,700 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 27%
$1,507/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 7%
220,453
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Port St. Lucie, FL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $238/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Port St. Lucie is $327,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Port St. Lucie vs Modesto — common questions

Is Port St. Lucie or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Port St. Lucie and Modesto?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,781/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Port St. Lucie or Modesto?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $238/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
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 Port St. Lucie or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,781/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.
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