Direct Answer
Modesto, CA has a CostOfCity index of 106, which is 6% above the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,690/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $4,378/month.
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Cost of Living in Modesto: The Full Picture
Modesto, CA sits 6% above the national cost-of-living average — but that single number hides a complex story. Some categories (like insurance and legal fees) deviate more than others. Median income here is $53K, and hiking trails, craft breweries, and a culture that puts outdoor recreation on equal footing with career ambition. Explore each category below.
Modesto Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Modesto cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Modesto has a growing inland economy benefiting from coastal spillover without the coastal price tag
The housing market features a housing market that gives you more square footage per dollar than either coast
Wildfire smoke, drought restrictions, and earthquake risk create insurance headaches unique to western metros.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Hiking trails, craft breweries, and a culture that puts outdoor recreation on equal footing with career ambition..
Modesto's cost index of 106 puts it right near the national average — a balanced market where you get a fair deal on most categories without sticker shock.
💰 Purchasing Power in Modesto
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Modesto, your dollar buys 6% less than the national average.
🔺 Where Modesto Costs More
🔽 Where Modesto Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Modesto
What it actually costs to live in Modesto each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Modesto's cost index of 106 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Don't let the metro-wide numbers fool you — Modesto is a city of micro-markets. The most expensive ZIP codes can cost twice as much as the most affordable ones for identical services. Shop around by neighborhood and you'll find genuine pockets of value.
Modesto vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Modesto
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
+9%HVAC Installation
0%Plumbing Services
+10%Electrical Work
-2%Kitchen Remodel
+27%Bathroom Remodel
+41%House Painting
-4%Flooring Installation
+7%Landscaping
+33%Fence Installation
-3%Window Replacement
+3%Solar Panel Installation
+23%Water Heater Replacement
+4%Deck Building
-5%Pool Installation
+10%Tree Removal
+18%Garage Door Repair
+6%💼 Business Startup Costs in Modesto
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-9%Start a Coffee Shop
+7%Start a Food Truck
-7%Start a Gym
-1%Start a Daycare
+17%Start a Hair Salon
+8%Start a Laundromat
+32%Start a Bakery
+24%Start a Bar
+16%Start a Cleaning Business
+14%Start an Airbnb
+21%Start a Trucking Business
+10%📊 Cost of Living in Modesto
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
+9%Rent Prices
+20%Grocery Costs
+14%Utility Costs
-9%Transportation Costs
-10%Childcare Costs
+12%Gym Membership
+20%🛡️ Insurance in Modesto
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
+1%Home Insurance
-7%Health Insurance
-15%Business Insurance
-22%Life Insurance
-8%Renters Insurance
-14%Pet Insurance
+15%Dental Insurance
+18%Motorcycle Insurance
+9%⚖️ Legal Services in Modesto
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
+8%Divorce Lawyer
+4%DUI Lawyer
+4%Immigration Lawyer
+32%Estate Planning Lawyer
+17%Workers Comp Lawyer
+6%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+23%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Modesto
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+36%Registered Nurse Salary
+7%Teacher Salary
+10%Electrician Salary
+20%Plumber Salary
+17%Accountant Salary
-7%Physical Therapist Salary
+19%Police Officer Salary
+7%Dentist Salary
+25%Real Estate Agent Salary
+9%How Much Income Do You Need in Modesto?
✅ Best For
- Couples with dual incomes
- Remote workers with out-of-market salaries
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Mid-career professionals
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking rock-bottom costs
- Single-income families with tight budgets
Before moving to Modesto, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Modesto
Is Modesto a good place to start a business?
Modesto's business environment is shaped by CA's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Moderate costs mean a balanced risk-reward profile for new ventures. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
How does Modesto compare to other cities in CA?
Within California, Modesto has a cost index of 106. Nearby options include Stockton and San Jose, which offer useful comparison points.
What are the most expensive cost categories in Modesto?
Like most US cities, housing is the single largest expense in Modesto, typically accounting for 30-40% of household budgets. Insurance and home services tend to be the next most variable categories, influenced by western climate conditions and state regulations.
Explore Modesto in Depth
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Compare Modesto Costs Nationally
See how Modesto ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Modesto cost & affordability searches
- → Rent prices in Modesto, CA
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- → Monthly budget for a single adult in Modesto
- → Healthcare cost in Modesto
- → Grocery cost in Modesto
- → Utility bills in Modesto
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