Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Modesto is 33% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $50,602 in Modesto.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $470,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Modesto.
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