Modesto vs Vienna
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Modesto
Vienna
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 27.3%, with Vienna being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Modesto has equivalent purchasing power to $58,929 in Vienna.
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 $58,929 in Vienna.
Conversely, $75,000 in Vienna equals $95,455 in Modesto.
Living in Modesto vs Vienna
Housing Costs
Modesto's housing index of 121 is higher Vienna's 105, translating to median home prices of $380,000 vs $395,000. The $15,000 difference in home prices means roughly $972 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Modesto compared to $1,275/mo in Vienna, a monthly difference of $125.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 100 in Modesto and 85 in Vienna. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $475/month in Modesto vs $404/month in Vienna. Vienna offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $852/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 108 in Modesto and 98 in Vienna. Monthly utility bills average approximately $432 in Modesto vs $392 in Vienna. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 100 in Modesto and 82 in Vienna. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-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 $48,000 in Vienna. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $49,230 and $54,545 respectively. Vienna 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 $1,120/month in Vienna. In Modesto, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Vienna, median rent of $1,275/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 18 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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