Is Reno, NV cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Reno, NV is 0.9% cheaper than Modesto, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $149,174.312 in Reno, NV to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Reno, NV is 3.4% cheaper than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Reno, NV compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

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

Moving from Modesto, CA to Reno, NV could save you approximately $69 per month, or $826 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA vs Reno, 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

You'd save $68.81/month moving to Reno, NV

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.2K in Reno, NV

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$68.81

Savings

Annual Impact

$826

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

Reno, NV

Population:264K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$450K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Reno, NV

The Silver State

264K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Nevada, this city has a population of 264K residents.

💡 Advantage: Nevada has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Modesto, CA vs Reno, NV

Category	Modesto, CA	Reno, NV	Difference	Change
Healthcare	$502/mo	$632/mo	↑ $130more	25.9%
Housing	$3,092/mo	$2,989/mo	↓ $104less	3.4%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,544/mo	↑ $68.30more	4.6%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$508/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.1%

Healthcare

↑ 25.9%

Modesto, CA

$502

Reno, NV

$632

Difference

$130

Housing

↓ 3.4%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Reno, NV

$2,989

Difference

$104

less

Transportation

↑ 4.6%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Reno, NV

$1,544

Difference

$68.30

Other

↑ 2.9%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Reno, NV

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Reno, NV

$1,039

Difference

$49.96

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.1%

Modesto, CA

$530

Reno, NV

$508

Difference

$21.86

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,290

→ $0

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,490

↑ $100

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,870

↑ $70.00

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$2,540

↑ $40.00

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

Reno, NVZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,820/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

$8,486

Monthly in Reno, NV

$72.86

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Reno

$424K

Median Value

$450K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.9%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$345K - $1.07M

Homes in Reno are 6% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto Calculate payment - Reno

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

Reno, 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%

Reno, 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.