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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Modesto

California
120

Sacramento is 10% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,694/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 5%
$83,753/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 7%
$484,600 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 14%
$1,752/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 8%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $5,854/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Modesto — common questions

Is Sacramento or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Modesto?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Modesto?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $5,854/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Modesto

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley