Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Cleveland is 22% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $58,259 in Cleveland.
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. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $280,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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