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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Modesto

California
120

Riverside is 20% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,812/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 11%
$88,575/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 12%
$542,100 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 23%
$1,880/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 14%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $10,676/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Modesto — common questions

Is Riverside or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Modesto?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Modesto?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $10,676/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Modesto

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