Burbank, CA vs Modesto, CA

The cost of living difference between Burbank, CA and Modesto, CA is dramatic. Modesto is 57.8% cheaper than Burbank, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Burbank has a cost index of 189 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 Burbank is $2,089/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $1,041,100.

Median household income in Burbank is $95,816 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (+23%). Burbank 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 Burbank spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in Modesto.