Modesto, CA vs Riverside, CA

Modesto is moderately more affordable than Riverside, with a 12.6% lower cost of living index. Modesto scores 120 compared to 137 for Riverside, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Riverside can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month compared to $1,812/month in Riverside — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $542,100.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $88,575 in Riverside (-12.1%). The higher salaries in Riverside 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, more than the 24.5% in Riverside.

Climate-wise, Riverside is notably warmer with an average of 66.2°F compared to 63.1°F in Modesto. Modesto receives more rainfall at 12.3" per year compared to 9.4" in Riverside.