Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Modesto

California
120

Reno and Modesto have a similar cost of living.

$1,453/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 11%
$78,448/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,899/yr ≈ Same
$498,600 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 17%
$1,482/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 9%
268,959
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $549/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Modesto — common questions

Is Reno or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Modesto?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Modesto?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $549/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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