Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Modesto is 5% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $71,186 in Modesto.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Modesto.
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