Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Modesto is 15% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $63,636 in Modesto.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bend has a housing index of 182 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Bend costs $580,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Bend versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Bend scores 106 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Bend (106) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bend is $68,234 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Modesto.
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