salaryModesto is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,988
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,761
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$86,162
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$442,700
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
104.1
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,835
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$166
$168
👥 People living there
219,215
990,138
Commute to work
30.2 min
27.3 min
College degree
21.2%
47.3%
Own their home
58.9%
55.8%
Below poverty line
13.3%
8.1%
Unemployment
7.2%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Modesto for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Modesto | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $71,600 | $141,960 | +98% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $77,370 | $152,100 | +97% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $164,010 | $301,320 | +84% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $119,770 | $213,110 | +78% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $63,280 | $107,560 | +70% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $132,590 | $216,740 | +63% in San Jose |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,760 | $157,140 | +58% in San Jose |
| Operations Manager | $104,330 | $163,860 | +57% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Modesto or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Modesto is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,988 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Modesto?
About $63,639 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Modesto or San Jose?
The typical household earns $86,162 in Modesto and $157,922 in San Jose, 45% more in San Jose.