Livermore, CA vs Modesto, CA

The cost of living difference between Livermore, CA and Modesto, CA is dramatic. Modesto is 72.4% cheaper than Livermore, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Livermore has a cost index of 206 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 Livermore is $2,640/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 64% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $1,038,600.

Median household income in Livermore is $153,602 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (+97.2%). While Livermore is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Livermore spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, less than the 24.8% in Modesto.

Climate-wise, Modesto is notably warmer with an average of 63.1°F compared to 59.9°F in Livermore. Livermore receives more rainfall at 15.2" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.