Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Tempe is 5% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $70,982 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Modesto has a housing index of 121 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Modesto costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Modesto versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Modesto scores 100 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Modesto (100) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Modesto is $55,138 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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