Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Modesto is 12% more affordable than Miami. A $75,000 salary in Miami is equivalent to $66,142 in Modesto.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Miami has a housing index of 172 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Miami costs $450,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Miami versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Miami scores 108 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Miami (99) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Miami is $44,268 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Modesto.
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