Cost of Living in Modesto, CA
Population 218,614 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Modesto cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $416,000, rents near $1,609 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Modesto
The median home value in Modesto is $415,600 — 36% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,609/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,899/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 75.9°F and lows of 50.3°F. Overall, Modesto has a cost of living index of 131 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 82 | 90 | 95 | 94 | 89 | 79 | 66 | 56 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 45 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 59 | 52 | 43 | 39 |
| Precip" | 2.57 | 2.22 | 1.78 | 1.00 | 0.65 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.06 | 0.55 | 1.07 | 2.21 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Modesto, CA?
Modesto has a cost index of 131 (100 = national average). It is 31% above the national average.
What is average rent in Modesto, CA?
The median gross rent in Modesto is $1,609 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Modesto?
The median home value in Modesto is $415,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Modesto?
The median household income in Modesto is $77,899 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Modesto, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Modesto is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Modesto, CA affordable?
Modesto is above average in cost of living, with an index of 131 — about 31% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Modesto?
Modesto has average high temperatures of 75.9°F and average lows of 50.3°F. Annual precipitation is 12.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Modesto at a Glance
- Population
- 218,614
- Median Income
- $77,899
- Home Value
- $415,600
- Median Rent
- $1,609/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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