Is Salt Lake City, UT cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Salt Lake City, UT is 8.5% cheaper than Modesto, CA. This translates to saving $637 per month.

What salary do I need in Salt Lake City, UT to live like I do in Modesto, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $142,357.973 in Salt Lake City, UT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Modesto, CA and Salt Lake City, UT?

Housing in Salt Lake City, UT is 18.2% cheaper than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Salt Lake City, UT compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Modesto, CA to Salt Lake City, UT?

Moving from Modesto, CA to Salt Lake City, UT could save you approximately $637 per month, or $7642 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT: 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 $637/month moving to Salt Lake City, UT

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Salt Lake City, UT

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$637

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

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

Salt Lake City, UT

Population:210K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$518K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Salt Lake City, UT

The Beehive State

210K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Utah, this city has a population of 210K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Modesto, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT

Category	Modesto, CA	Salt Lake City, UT	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,092/mo	$2,531/mo	↓ $562less	18.2%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,247/mo	↓ $228less	15.5%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$950/mo	↓ $139less	12.8%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$625/mo	↑ $123more	24.5%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$472/mo	↓ $58.28less	11.0%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,670/mo	↓ $54.49less	3.2%

Housing

↓ 18.2%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Salt Lake City, UT

$2,531

Difference

$562

less

Transportation

↓ 15.5%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,247

Difference

$228

less

Groceries

↓ 12.8%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Salt Lake City, UT

$950

Difference

$139

less

Healthcare

↑ 24.5%

Modesto, CA

$502

Salt Lake City, UT

$625

Difference

$123

All Utilities

↓ 11.0%

Modesto, CA

$530

Salt Lake City, UT

$472

Difference

$58.28

less

Other

↓ 3.2%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,670

Difference

$54.49

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,008

↓ $282

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,168

↓ $222

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,400

↓ $400

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$1,872

↓ $628

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

Salt Lake City, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$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

$7,494

Monthly in Salt Lake City, UT

$919

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Salt Lake City

$424K

Median Value

$518K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.4%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$400K - $902K

Homes in Salt Lake City are 22% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto Calculate payment - Salt Lake City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$279

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

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

Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Utah State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,809/month

$105.7K

Additional Tax Information

Modesto, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

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.