Cost of Living in West Modesto, CA

Population 5,633 · California · Data vintage 2023

97
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives West Modesto a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $286,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, West Modesto is part of the immediate Modesto metro area. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Modesto's $416,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 94
Rent 102

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in West Modesto

The median home value in West Modesto is $285,700 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,344/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,833/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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, West Modesto has a cost of living index of 97 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$285,700
6% below avg
Median Rent
$1,344/mo
2% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 46.0%
Renter-occupied 54.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,344
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,958/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
34.2 min
27% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.2%
Carpooled
23.0%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
0.4%
Work from home
8.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$61,833
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$21,185
Unemployment Rate
8.3%
72% above avg
Poverty Rate
18.9%
Labor Force Participation
60.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.6%
Graduate degree 1.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.4
Male median age 30.3
Female median age 33

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
75.9°F
Avg Low
50.3°F
Annual Precip
12.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 566268748290959489796656
Low °F 394245485459636259524339
Precip" 2.572.221.781.000.650.150.000.010.060.551.072.21

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 54 — Moderate
45.5%
Good air days/yr
150
Max AQI recorded
161
PM2.5 days
199
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Modesto, CA?

West Modesto has a cost index of 97 (100 = national average). It is 3% below the national average.

What is average rent in West Modesto, CA?

The median gross rent in West Modesto is $1,344 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Modesto?

The median home value in West Modesto is $285,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in West Modesto?

The median household income in West Modesto is $61,833 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Modesto, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Modesto is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is West Modesto, CA affordable?

West Modesto is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 97 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in West Modesto?

West 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.

West Modesto at a Glance

Population
5,633
Median Income
$61,833
Home Value
$285,700
Median Rent
$1,344/mo
Unemployment
8.3%
Avg High Temp
75.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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