Cost of Living: Santa Clarita, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Modesto

California
120

Santa Clarita is 64% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,486/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 35%
$119,926/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 35%
$721,000 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 42%
$2,649/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 39%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $42,027/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Modesto — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Modesto?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Modesto?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $42,027/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Modesto

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley