Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 59.0% more expensive than Modesto, CA. This translates to spending an extra $4424 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in Modesto, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $203,091.743 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Modesto, CA and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 150.6% more expensive than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Modesto, CA to Los Angeles, CA?

Living in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $4424 more per month than Modesto, CA, or $53092 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA vs Los Angeles, CA: 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

You'd spend $4.4K/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $203.1K in Los Angeles, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 59.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,424

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$53.1K

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:

159

(59% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Modesto, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Modesto, CA	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,092/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $4,657more	150.6%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $683more	46.3%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$554/mo	↑ $52.04more	10.4%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $48.96less	4.5%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$557/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.2%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,731/mo	↑ $6.70more	0.4%

Housing

↑ 150.6%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$4,657

Transportation

↑ 46.3%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$683

Healthcare

↑ 10.4%

Modesto, CA

$502

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$52.04

Groceries

↓ 4.5%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$48.96

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.2%

Modesto, CA

$530

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$27.32

Other

↑ 0.4%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$6.70

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,910

↑ $620

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,135

↑ $745

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,660

↑ $860

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$3,370

↑ $870

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$5,377

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Los Angeles

$424K

Median Value

$885K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 109% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Los Angeles, 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

Additional Tax Information

Modesto, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.