Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Modesto

California
120

Seattle is 63% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,998/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 19%
$121,984/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 36%
$912,100 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 54%
$2,220/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 27%
741,440
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $44,085/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Modesto — common questions

Is Seattle or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Modesto?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Modesto?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $44,085/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Modesto

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley