Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Springfield is 4% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $71,652 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Modesto has a housing index of 121 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Modesto costs $380,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Modesto versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Modesto scores 100 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Modesto (100) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Modesto is $55,138 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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