Fresno, CA vs Modesto, CA

Fresno is moderately more affordable than Modesto, with a 12.2% lower cost of living index. Fresno scores 105 compared to 120 for Modesto, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Modesto can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fresno is more affordable at $348,500 median vs $415,600.

Median household income in Fresno is $66,804 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (-14.2%). While Modesto is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fresno spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, less than the 24.8% in Modesto.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65°F vs 63.1°F). Modesto receives more rainfall at 12.3" per year compared to 11" in Fresno.