Arden-Arcade, CA vs Modesto, CA

Arden-Arcade, CA and Modesto, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Arden-Arcade scores 124 while Modesto scores 120 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arden-Arcade is $1,476/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Arden-Arcade has cheaper rent, Modesto actually has lower median home values ($415,600 vs $504,400).

Median household income in Arden-Arcade is $71,767 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (-7.9%). Modesto offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Arden-Arcade spend roughly 24.7% of their income on rent, less than the 24.8% in Modesto.