Modesto vs Ogden
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Modesto
Ogden
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 4.7%, with Ogden being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Modesto has equivalent purchasing power to $71,652 in Ogden.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Modesto has the same purchasing power as $71,652 in Ogden.
Conversely, $75,000 in Ogden equals $78,505 in Modesto.
Living in Modesto vs Ogden
Housing Costs
Modesto's housing index of 121 is higher Ogden's 112, translating to median home prices of $380,000 vs $385,000. The $5,000 difference in home prices means roughly $324 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Modesto compared to $1,250/mo in Ogden, a monthly difference of $150.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 100 in Modesto and 92 in Ogden. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $475/month in Modesto vs $437/month in Ogden. Ogden offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $456/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 108 in Modesto and 80 in Ogden. Monthly utility bills average approximately $432 in Modesto vs $320 in Ogden. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 100 in Modesto and 91 in Ogden. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 9-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $55,138 in Modesto and $70,100 in Ogden. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $49,230 and $65,514 respectively. Ogden residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,287/month to housing in Modesto vs $1,636/month in Ogden. In Modesto, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Ogden, median rent of $1,250/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 28 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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