Antioch, CA vs Modesto, CA

The cost of living difference between Antioch, CA and Modesto, CA is dramatic. Modesto is 32.8% cheaper than Antioch, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Antioch has a cost index of 159 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 Antioch is $2,241/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $607,400.

Median household income in Antioch is $94,256 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (+21%). The higher salaries in Antioch partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Antioch spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in Modesto.