Modesto, CA, US
Central Valley agriculture hub with George Lucas roots, cheaper than Bay Area.
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Modesto vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 9.3%
- Sales Tax: 7.9%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $58,000
- Unemployment: 5.2%
- Population: 218,464
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 95°F
- Winter Low: 39°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $395,000
- 1BR Rent: $1400/mo
Cost of Living
Modesto's cost of living index is 108.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Modesto | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108.5 | 100 | +8.5% |
| Housing | 102.4 | 100 | +2.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $395,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $263 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Modesto:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $240 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $43 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $66 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $80 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $529 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Modesto scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Modesto has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F | 39°F | 2.5" |
| April | 80°F | 54°F | 2.8" |
| July | 95°F | 70°F | 1.5" |
| October | 75°F | 57°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Modesto faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent and severe wildfire seasons.
Located on the San Andreas Fault system with frequent seismic activity.
Extreme summer heat in inland and desert regions.
Frequent and severe drought conditions.
Coastal and mountainous regions with frequent landslides.
Sierra Nevada with frequent avalanches.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Dust storms in desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 9.3%
- Sales Tax: 7.875%
- Property Tax: ~0.95% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Modesto per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Modesto, CA, US?
The cost of living index in Modesto is 108.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Modesto?
The median home price in Modesto is $395,000. The housing index is 102.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Modesto is approximately $1400/mo.
Does Modesto, CA have income tax?
Modesto is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 9.3%.
What is the climate like in Modesto?
Modesto enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 39°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.