Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Jacksonville is 15% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $63,616 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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