Cost of living in Modesto, California
Stanislaus County, CA
Part of the Modesto Metro Area
Population 552,250 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Modesto
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Modesto
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Modesto
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Modesto
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Modesto
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Modesto
State and local tax rates for California.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Modesto
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Modesto
What it costs to live in Modesto each month.
- Rent $1,209
- Energy $217
- Water $60
- Groceries $397
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $518
- State tax $94
- Rent $1,566
- Energy $260
- Water $70
- Groceries $658
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $974
- State tax $338
- Rent $2,194
- Energy $326
- Water $85
- Groceries $998
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $974
- State tax $338
Frequently asked questions about Modesto
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Modesto?
In Modesto, California, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,209 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,566 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,194 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Modesto?
In Modesto, California, the average household income is $79,661 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $41,701 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Modesto?
The estimated cost of living in Modesto, California is approximately $3,295 per month for a single person, $5,150 for a couple, $7,985 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Modesto?
The combined sales tax rate in Modesto, California is 8.85%, which includes the California state rate of 7.25% plus an average local rate of 1.60%.
Is Modesto an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Modesto, California would need approximately $3,295 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $79,661 per year ($6,638 per month). Modesto is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Modesto?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Modesto, California is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Modesto?
The average home value in Modesto, California is $426,600, with average annual property taxes of $3,025, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Modesto compare to other areas?
You can compare Modesto, California with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Modesto is in the Modesto, CA metro area.
Other counties in California
Browse the full list of counties in California, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in CaliforniaCompare Modesto with another area
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP