Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Atlanta is 4% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $71,652 in Atlanta.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Atlanta.
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