salaryModesto is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,988
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,761
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$86,162
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$442,700
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
104.1
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,835
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$166
$109
👥 People living there
219,215
754,195
Commute to work
30.2 min
26 min
College degree
21.2%
68.4%
Own their home
58.9%
43.7%
Below poverty line
13.3%
9.9%
Unemployment
7.2%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Modesto for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Modesto | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $34,910 | $57,280 | +64% in Seattle |
| Plumber | $63,280 | $95,230 | +50% in Seattle |
| Market Research Analyst | $71,600 | $102,170 | +43% in Seattle |
| Operations Manager | $104,330 | $146,030 | +40% in Seattle |
| Software Developer | $119,770 | $167,280 | +40% in Seattle |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,760 | $133,690 | +34% in Seattle |
| Electrician | $76,710 | $101,780 | +33% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $77,370 | $101,090 | +31% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Modesto or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Modesto is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,988 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Modesto?
About $64,049 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Modesto or Seattle?
The typical household earns $86,162 in Modesto and $133,583 in Seattle, 35% more in Seattle.