Is Las Vegas, NV cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Las Vegas, NV is 0.0% cheaper than Modesto, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Las Vegas, NV to live like I do in Modesto, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $150,000 in Las Vegas, NV to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Modesto, CA and Las Vegas, NV?

Housing in Las Vegas, NV is 6.7% more expensive than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,655/month in Las Vegas, NV compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Modesto, CA to Las Vegas, NV?

Modesto, CA and Las Vegas, NV have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA vs Las Vegas, NV: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

Modesto, CA and Las Vegas, NV have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Las Vegas, NV

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$424K

Las Vegas, NV

Population:656K

Cost Index:

100

(national average)

Median Home:$377K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K residents.

Las Vegas, NV

The Silver State

656K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital
•No state income tax
•Desert oasis

Major Industries

TourismEntertainmentTechnologyLogistics

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Modesto, CA vs Las Vegas, NV

Category	Modesto, CA	Las Vegas, NV	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,092/mo	$3,300/mo	↑ $208more	6.7%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$632/mo	↑ $130more	25.9%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $83.70more	4.9%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,544/mo	↑ $68.30more	4.6%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$508/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.1%

Housing

↑ 6.7%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Las Vegas, NV

$3,300

Difference

$208

Healthcare

↑ 25.9%

Modesto, CA

$502

Las Vegas, NV

$632

Difference

$130

Other

↑ 4.9%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Las Vegas, NV

$1,808

Difference

$83.70

Transportation

↑ 4.6%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Las Vegas, NV

$1,544

Difference

$68.30

Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Las Vegas, NV

$1,039

Difference

$49.96

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.1%

Modesto, CA

$530

Las Vegas, NV

$508

Difference

$21.86

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,270

↓ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,410

↑ $20.00

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,655

↓ $145

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$2,300

↓ $200

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

Las Vegas, NVZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$2,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$8,831

Monthly in Las Vegas, NV

$418

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Las Vegas

$424K

Median Value

$377K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.3%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.2%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$265K - $712K

Homes in Las Vegas are 11% less expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto Calculate payment - Las Vegas

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Modesto, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Las Vegas, NV

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nevada State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Modesto, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Las Vegas, NV Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.