Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Modesto

California
120

San Diego is 64% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,223/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 28%
$104,321/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 25%
$848,500 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 51%
$2,308/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 30%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $26,422/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Modesto — common questions

Is San Diego or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Modesto?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Modesto?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $26,422/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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