Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Rochester is 16% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $62,946 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Modesto has a housing index of 121 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Modesto costs $380,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Modesto versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Modesto scores 100 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Modesto (100) match Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Modesto is $55,138 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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