Folsom, CA vs Modesto, CA

The cost of living difference between Folsom, CA and Modesto, CA is dramatic. Modesto is 37.8% cheaper than Folsom, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Folsom has a cost index of 165 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 Folsom is $2,279/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $702,200.

Median household income in Folsom is $139,263 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (+78.8%). While Folsom is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Folsom spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, less than the 24.8% in Modesto.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.4°F vs 63.1°F). Folsom receives more rainfall at 19.2" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.