Modesto is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Modesto to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,988
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,761
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$86,162
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$442,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
104.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$2,835
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$166
👥 People living there
666,442
219,215
Commute to work
30.3 min
30.2 min
College degree
54.9%
21.2%
Own their home
35.7%
58.9%
Below poverty line
16.6%
13.3%
Unemployment
6.1%
7.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
- Pick Modesto for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Modesto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $96,760 | $63,280 | -35% in Modesto |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $71,600 | -30% in Modesto |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $119,770 | -28% in Modesto |
| Police Officer | $78,180 | $98,230 | +26% in Modesto |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $132,590 | +25% in Modesto |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | $99,760 | -23% in Modesto |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $104,330 | -22% in Modesto |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | $123,910 | +21% in Modesto |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Modesto is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,988 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Modesto to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $57,696 a year gives the same standard of living in Modesto.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Modesto?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $86,162 in Modesto, 22% more in Boston.