Is Modesto, CA cheaper than Santa Clarita, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Modesto, CA is 31.9% cheaper than Santa Clarita, CA. This translates to saving $2390 per month.

What salary do I need in Modesto, CA to live like I do in Santa Clarita, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Clarita, CA, you'd need approximately $121,318.492 in Modesto, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Clarita, CA and Modesto, CA?

Housing in Modesto, CA is 52.0% cheaper than in Santa Clarita, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Modesto, CA compared to $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Santa Clarita, CA to Modesto, CA?

Moving from Santa Clarita, CA to Modesto, CA could save you approximately $2390 per month, or $28682 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Clarita, CA 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 Santa Clarita, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Modesto, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.3K in Modesto, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 31.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,390

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.7K

Per year

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$885K

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

(32% below avg)

Median Home:$424K

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 224K residents.

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: Santa Clarita, CA vs Modesto, CA

Category	Santa Clarita, CA	Modesto, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,439/mo	$3,092/mo	↓ $3,346less	52.0%
Transportation	$1,992/mo	$1,475/mo	↓ $517less	26.0%
Other	$1,598/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $126more	7.9%
Groceries	$999/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $89.73more	9.0%
Healthcare	$532/mo	$502/mo	↓ $30.34less	5.7%
All Utilities	$536/mo	$530/mo	↓ $5.48less	1.0%

Housing

↓ 52.0%

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Difference

$3,346

less

Transportation

↓ 26.0%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Difference

$517

less

Other

↑ 7.9%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Difference

$126

Groceries

↑ 9.0%

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Difference

$89.73

Healthcare

↓ 5.7%

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Modesto, CA

$502

Difference

$30.34

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.0%

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Modesto, CA

$530

Difference

$5.48

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,452

To$1,290

↓ $162

1 Bed

From$1,648

To$1,390

↓ $258

2 Bed

From$2,197

To$1,800

↓ $397

3 Bed

From$3,296

To$2,500

↓ $796

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.

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$3,683

Difference

Home Values

Santa Clarita

Modesto

Median Value

$424K

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.4%

Price Range

$371K - $513K

Calculate payment - Modesto

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

Santa Clarita, 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

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

Santa Clarita, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.