Modesto, CA vs Tracy, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Modesto is 26% cheaper than Tracy. With a cost index of 120 vs 162, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Modesto to Tracy should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month compared to $2,325/month in Tracy — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Modesto is more affordable at $415,600 median vs $653,900.

Median household income in Modesto is $77,899 compared to $118,253 in Tracy (-34.1%). While Tracy 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 23.6% in Tracy.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.1°F vs 63°F). Tracy receives more rainfall at 13.5" per year compared to 12.3" in Modesto.