Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Las Vegas is 10% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $67,634 in Las Vegas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nevada salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Las Vegas has a housing index of 106 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Las Vegas costs $350,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Las Vegas versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Las Vegas scores 101 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Las Vegas (96) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Las Vegas is $56,415 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Las Vegas.
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