Salt Lake City, UT vs Modesto, CA: Cost of Living
Which city costs less?
Modesto, CA has a modeled overall cost index 9.3% higher than Salt Lake City, UT.
- Salt Lake City, UT · modeled 2BR rent
- $1,750 / month
- Modesto, CA · modeled 2BR rent
- $1,800 / month
These are saved estimates, not current rental listings. Some cities use adjusted regional data. Your household budget can differ from the overall index. Sources and assumptions
Adjust your income and compare the budget ↓Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Compare Salt Lake City, UT and Modesto, CA using saved regional data and explicit budgeting assumptions. Rent estimates are not live listings. Change the salary below, then check the source notes before applying a result to your household.
Saved regional estimates · Sources and assumptions
Estimated extra cost: $920/month in Modesto, CA
$150,000 in your current city has a modeled equivalent of $161,034 in Modesto, CA
Assumes 60% of current gross income goes to living costs. The headline uses the category budget below; taxes, moving costs and savings goals are excluded.
Salt Lake City, UT
Modesto, CA
Planning the move to Modesto?
Organize packing, address changes, and moving-day tasks with a free checklist. Your progress saves in this browser. No account needed.
Plan my move with the free checklistSalt Lake City, UT
The Beehive State
Located in Utah, this city has a population of 210K residents.
Modesto, CA
The Golden State
Located in California, this city has a population of 218K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Estimated monthly spending: Salt Lake City, UT vs Modesto, CA
Assumes 60% of your current gross income is spent on these categories. The headline and totals use this same budget. Rent estimates below are separate reference data. Rounded amounts may differ by $1.
| Category | Salt Lake City, UT | Modesto, CA | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | $2,533/mo | $3,095/mo | ↑ $562more | 22.2% |
Transportation | $1,248/mo | $1,476/mo | ↑ $229more | 18.3% |
Groceries | $951/mo | $1,090/mo | ↑ $139more | 14.7% |
Healthcare | $626/mo | $502/mo | ↓ $123less | 19.7% |
All Utilities | $472/mo | $530/mo | ↑ $58.33more | 12.4% |
Other | $1,671/mo | $1,726/mo | ↑ $54.54more | 3.3% |
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $1,310–$1,820/mo
1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo
💡 Note: HUD Fair Market Rents estimate 40th-percentile gross rents, including most tenant-paid utilities. City ZIP summaries are medians of those estimates, not market median rents. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.
Home Values
Homes in Modesto are 18% less expensive than Salt Lake City
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
Salt Lake City, UT
Modesto, CA
Additional Tax Information
Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates
Modesto, CA Tax Rates
💡 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.
Environment
Before moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Modesto, CA
Use this comparison to shortlist a move, then check the costs that depend on your household.
- Compare actual homes. Get current quotes in Modesto, CA for the same bedroom count and included utilities as your home in Salt Lake City, UT. Add parking, deposits, insurance and any overlapping leases. The rent estimates above are a starting point, not available listings.
- Confirm your income. Check your expected pay with your employer, including any location adjustment. Use “Different salary at destination?” above to compare two incomes. The budget model excludes taxes and one-time moving costs; it is not a take-home-pay calculation.
- Price your daily routine. Check the commute from a specific address to work, school or childcare. Add household expenses missing from this model, such as childcare, debt payments and medical needs. Verify local services before signing a lease.
- Plan the transition. Get moving quotes and budget for travel, setup costs and time off. Open your Salt Lake City to Modesto moving checklist to organize the tasks and timing.
Still choosing a destination? Explore cities similar to Modesto, CA by cost, housing, population and region.
Frequently Asked Questions: Salt Lake City, UT vs Modesto, CA
How do the cost estimates for Salt Lake City, UT and Modesto, CA compare?
What does the equivalent salary mean?
What rent estimates are available for Salt Lake City, UT and Modesto, CA?
How should I use this comparison before moving?
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Utah and California on TaxTakeHome.com
Where your money goes further
Cities cheaper than Salt Lake City, UT on a $150.0K salary
Want to compare different cities?
New Comparison