Anaheim, CA vs Modesto, CA

The cost of living difference between Anaheim, CA and Modesto, CA is dramatic. Modesto is 39.2% cheaper than Anaheim, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Anaheim has a cost index of 167 while Modesto sits at 120, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $771,700.

Median household income in Anaheim is $90,583 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (+16.3%). Anaheim does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Anaheim spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in Modesto.