Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Modesto

California
120

Richmond is 18% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,314/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 22%
$62,671/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 24%
$328,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 27%
$1,374/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 17%
227,595
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $15,228/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Modesto — common questions

Is Richmond or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Modesto?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Modesto?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $15,228/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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