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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Modesto

California
120

San Francisco is 123% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,419/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 33%
$141,446/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 45%
$1,380,500 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 70%
$2,620/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 38%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $810/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $9,720/year.

Median household income is $63,547/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Modesto — common questions

Is San Francisco or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Modesto?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $810/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Modesto?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $63,547/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Modesto details →

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