Indio, CA vs Modesto, CA

Indio, CA and Modesto, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Indio scores 115 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 Indio is $1,392/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 14% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Indio has cheaper rent, Modesto actually has lower median home values ($415,600 vs $424,700).

Median household income in Indio is $78,709 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (+1%). Indio offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Indio spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 24.8% in Modesto.

Climate-wise, Indio is notably warmer with an average of 72.5°F compared to 63.1°F in Modesto. Modesto receives more rainfall at 12.3" per year compared to 3" in Indio.