Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Greenville is 15% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $63,616 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Greenville has a housing index of 85 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Greenville costs $250,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Greenville versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Greenville scores 98 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Greenville (103) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Greenville is $48,912 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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