Is Modesto, CA cheaper than Reno, NV?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Reno, NV, you'd need approximately $150,833.333 in Modesto, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Modesto, CA is 3.5% more expensive than in Reno, NV. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Modesto, CA compared to $1,870/month in Reno, NV.

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

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

Reno, NV vs Modesto, 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 Reno, NV

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $69.44/month more in Modesto, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.8K in Modesto, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$69.44

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$833

Per year

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

Reno, NV

Population:264K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$450K

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$424K

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!

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Reno, NV vs Modesto, CA

Category	Reno, NV	Modesto, CA	Difference	Change
Healthcare	$632/mo	$502/mo	↓ $130less	20.6%
Housing	$2,989/mo	$3,092/mo	↑ $104more	3.5%
Transportation	$1,544/mo	$1,475/mo	↓ $68.30less	4.4%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.8%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$530/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.3%

Healthcare

↓ 20.6%

Reno, NV

$632

Modesto, CA

$502

Difference

$130

less

Housing

↑ 3.5%

Reno, NV

$2,989

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Difference

$104

Transportation

↓ 4.4%

Reno, NV

$1,544

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Difference

$68.30

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

Reno, NV

$1,774

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Difference

$50.22

less

Groceries

↑ 4.8%

Reno, NV

$1,039

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Difference

$49.96

All Utilities

↑ 4.3%

Reno, NV

$508

Modesto, CA

$530

Difference

$21.86

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$1,290

→ $0

1 Bed

From$1,490

To$1,390

↓ $100

2 Bed

From$1,870

To$1,800

↓ $70.00

3 Bed

From$2,540

To$2,500

↓ $40.00

Reno, NVZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,820/mo

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/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.

$8,486

Monthly in Reno, NV

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$72.86

Difference

Home Values

Reno

Modesto

$450K

Median Value

$424K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.4%

$345K - $1.07M

Price Range

$371K - $513K

Homes in Modesto are 6% less expensive than Reno

Calculate payment - Reno Calculate payment - Modesto

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Reno, NV Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:0.6%

Modesto, 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.