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Average Rent in Modesto, CA

By Diana Kowalski ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$23,375
MONTHLY
$1,948
VS NATIONAL
+8%
COST INDEX
106

Direct Answer

Average Rent in Modesto, CA averages approximately $23,375/year ($1,948/month) โ€” 8% above the US national average of $21,564. Typical range: $15,194โ€“$33,894 depending on household and provider.

Average Rent Range in Modesto

Budget-Conscious
$15,194/yr
~$1,266/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$23,375/yr
~$1,948/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$33,894/yr
~$2,825/mo ยท 45% above average

How Modesto Compares

Modesto's rent cost runs $1,811 more per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 106, Modesto is positioned in the middle of US cost rankings, with average rent tracking close to national pricing.

Average Rent in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Modesto, CA This page106$23,375+8%
New York, NY187$47,829+122%
Los Angeles, CA166$41,489+92%
Chicago, IL107$23,677+10%
Houston, TX96$20,356-6%
Phoenix, AZ103$22,470+4%
View all 300+ cities ranked by rent cost โ†’

How to Save on Average Rent in Modesto

1

Shop providers annually โ€” rent cost pricing in Modesto varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within CA, rent cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for rent cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Modesto discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Modesto and CA may offer income-based reductions for rent cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Modesto

See how other major expenses look in Modesto, CA.

See the full Modesto cost-of-living profile โ†’

Modesto Average Rent โ€” FAQ

What is the average rent cost in Modesto, CA?

The average rent cost in Modesto, CA is approximately $23,375 per year ($1,948/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 106 applied to the national baseline of $21,564.

Is average rent expensive in Modesto?

Yes โ€” rent cost in Modesto runs about 8% above the US national average, driven by the city's overall cost index of 106. The annual cost gap versus the national figure is roughly $1,811.

How much does rent cost cost per month in Modesto?

Monthly rent cost in Modesto averages about $1,948. Households typically see $1,266โ€“$2,825 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives rent cost differences between cities?

Average Rent pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 106 for Modesto) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.