Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Louisville is 19% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $60,938 in Louisville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Louisville scores 96 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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