Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Modesto is 15% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia 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: Maryland salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 172 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $430,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Columbia versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 104 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (101) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $112,738 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Modesto.
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