Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Chicago is 4% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $71,652 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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