Modesto, CA vs Santa Clara, CA

The cost of living difference between Modesto, CA and Santa Clara, CA is dramatic. Modesto is 53.1% cheaper than Santa Clara, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Modesto has a cost index of 120 while Santa Clara sits at 255, 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 Modesto is $1,609/month compared to $2,985/month in Santa Clara — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $1,527,900.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $173,670 in Santa Clara (-55.1%). While Santa Clara is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Modesto spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, more than the 20.6% in Santa Clara.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.1°F vs 60.7°F). Santa Clara receives more rainfall at 13.5" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.