Home / Compare / Modesto vs Pittsburg

Modesto, CA vs Pittsburg, CA

120
Modesto
California
VS
-23.1%
156
Pittsburg
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Modesto is 23.1% cheaper than Pittsburg. With a cost index of 120 vs 156, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Modesto to Pittsburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month compared to $2,201/month in Pittsburg — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $583,100.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $101,099 in Pittsburg (-22.9%). The higher salaries in Pittsburg partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Modesto spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, less than the 26.1% in Pittsburg.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.1°F vs 62°F). Pittsburg receives more rainfall at 16.1" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Modesto
120
23% cheaper
Pittsburg
156
Median Household Income
Modesto
$77,899
Pittsburg
$101,099
23% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Modesto
$1,609
27% cheaper
Pittsburg
$2,201
Median Home Value
Modesto
$415,600
29% cheaper
Pittsburg
$583,100
Population
Modesto
218,614
Pittsburg
75,868

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Modesto $3.22
Pittsburg $3.53
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Modesto $2.62
Pittsburg $2.88
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Modesto $4.22
Pittsburg $4.64
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Modesto $1.94
Pittsburg $2.13
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Modesto $4.35
Pittsburg $4.77
US $4.14
Electricity
Modesto $0.27
Pittsburg $0.31
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Modesto 63.1°F
Pittsburg 62°F
Summer High
Modesto 95°F
Pittsburg 88°F
Winter Low
Modesto 39°F
Pittsburg 41°F
Rainfall
Modesto 12.3"
Pittsburg 16.1"
Rainy Days
Modesto 53d
Pittsburg 57d