Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Asheville is 4% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $72,321 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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