Modesto, CA vs Santa Maria, CA

Modesto is moderately more affordable than Santa Maria, with a 11.3% lower cost of living index. Modesto scores 120 compared to 135 for Santa Maria, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Santa Maria 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 $1,842/month in Santa Maria — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $478,200.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $84,617 in Santa Maria (-7.9%). The higher salaries in Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria.

Climate-wise, Modesto is notably warmer with an average of 63.1°F compared to 58.6°F in Santa Maria. Santa Maria receives more rainfall at 13.3" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.