Modesto, CA vs Sacramento, CA

Modesto is moderately more affordable than Sacramento, with a 7.4% lower cost of living index. Modesto scores 120 compared to 129 for Sacramento, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Sacramento 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 $1,694/month in Sacramento — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $484,600.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $83,753 in Sacramento (-7%). The higher salaries in Sacramento 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 24.3% in Sacramento.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.1°F vs 63.4°F). Sacramento receives more rainfall at 19.2" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.