Modesto, CA vs Santa Ana, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Modesto is 22.3% cheaper than Santa Ana. With a cost index of 120 vs 154, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Modesto to Santa Ana should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month compared to $1,975/month in Santa Ana — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $657,800.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $88,354 in Santa Ana (-11.8%). The higher salaries in Santa Ana 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 26.8% in Santa Ana.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.1°F vs 64.9°F). Modesto receives more rainfall at 12.3" per year compared to 11.2" in Santa Ana.