Modesto is 11% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,988
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,761
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$86,162
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$442,700
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
104.1
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,835
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$166
$104
👥 People living there
219,215
830,235
Commute to work
30.2 min
30.4 min
College degree
21.2%
60.3%
Own their home
58.9%
38.2%
Below poverty line
13.3%
11.2%
Unemployment
7.2%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Modesto for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Modesto | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $71,600 | $123,250 | +72% in San Francisco |
| Software Developer | $119,770 | $186,640 | +56% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $77,370 | $113,700 | +47% in San Francisco |
| Operations Manager | $104,330 | $149,990 | +44% in San Francisco |
| Registered Nurse | $132,590 | $186,610 | +41% in San Francisco |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,760 | $134,460 | +35% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $98,230 | $132,000 | +34% in San Francisco |
| Accountant | $83,560 | $110,730 | +33% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Modesto or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Modesto is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,988 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Modesto?
About $66,631 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Modesto or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $86,162 in Modesto and $152,036 in San Francisco, 43% more in San Francisco.