Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Modesto

California
120

Washington is 42% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,900/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 15%
$106,287/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 27%
$724,600 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 43%
$2,103/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 23%
672,079
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $28,388/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Modesto — common questions

Is Washington or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Modesto?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Modesto?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $28,388/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Modesto

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