Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Cincinnati is 19% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $60,938 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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