Compton, CA vs Modesto, CA

Modesto is moderately more affordable than Compton, with a 11.6% lower cost of living index. Compton scores 134 compared to 120 for Modesto, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Compton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Compton is $1,601/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Compton has cheaper rent, Modesto actually has lower median home values ($415,600 vs $546,700).

Median household income in Compton is $74,270 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (-4.7%). 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 Compton spend roughly 25.9% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in Modesto.