Cost of Living in Modesto, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $990 (excluding rent), and $2,641 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,585 (excluding rent), and $5,460 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.91 $14.91

$9.94 $9.94

$49.72 $49.72

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$79.5 $79.5

$59.7 $59.7

$199 $199

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.07 $9.07

$8.07 $8.07

$13.11 $13.11

Cappuccino

$5.53 $5.53

$4.02 $4.02

$8.05 $8.05

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.68 $2.68

$2.05 $2.05

$5.12 $5.12

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.03 $1.03

$4.11 $4.11

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.05 $5.05

$3.03 $3.03

$10.10 $10.10

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.81 $6.81

$5.83 $5.83

$14.58 $14.58

Milk (1 liter)

$1.11 $1.11

$0.98 $0.98

$2.13 $2.13

White Bread (500g)

$3.57 $3.57

$2.73 $2.73

$6.54 $6.54

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.14 $3.14

$2.14 $2.14

$8.59 $8.59

Eggs

$5.02 $5.02

$3.06 $3.06

$9.21 $9.21

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.07 $13.07

$6.67 $6.67

$33.37 $33.37

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.85 $14.85

$6.68 $6.68

$31.18 $31.18

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.33 $19.33

$6.62 $6.62

$44.18 $44.18

Apples (1kg)

$6.32 $6.32

$3.38 $3.38

$12.48 $12.48

Banana (1kg)

$2.52 $2.52

$1.50 $1.50

$6.69 $6.69

Oranges (1kg)

$4.85 $4.85

$3.25 $3.25

$10.92 $10.92

Tomato (1kg)

$6.56 $6.56

$4.36 $4.36

$10.88 $10.88

Potato (1kg)

$3.58 $3.58

$1.49 $1.49

$8.80 $8.80

Onion (1kg)

$4.37 $4.37

$1.95 $1.95

$10.96 $10.96

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.94 $2.94

$1.95 $1.95

$4.88 $4.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.74 $2.74

$0.73 $0.73

$4.86 $4.86

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.97 $9.97

$7.98 $7.98

$19.94 $19.94

Wine (Bottle)

$14.85 $14.85

$9.89 $9.89

$19.80 $19.80

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.83 $1.83

$1.70 $1.70

$2.94 $2.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.34 $3.34

$1.65 $1.65

$7.92 $7.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.19 $40.19

$30.15 $30.15

$45.22 $45.22

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.52 $3.52

$15.09 $15.09

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.07 $2.07

$5.09 $5.09

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.48 $29.48

$63.9 $63.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19 $1.19

$1.12 $1.12

$1.41 $1.41

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$27.1K $27.1K

$24.0K $24.0K

$36.9K $36.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.7K $26.7K

$25.8K $25.8K

$27.1K $27.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$292 $292

$150 $150

$449 $449

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$49.16 $49.16

$25.37 $25.37

$91.3 $91.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.9 $64.9

$50.9 $50.9

$107 $107

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.02 $42.02

$25.41 $25.41

$60.0 $60.0

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.74 $14.74

Cinema Ticket

$11.10 $11.10

$10.09 $10.09

$22.20 $22.20

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,958 $1,958

$1,493 $1,493

$2,489 $2,489

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$25.7K $25.7K

$17.8K $17.8K

$39.5K $39.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.64 $48.64

$30.19 $30.19

$98.6 $98.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.78 $38.78

$24.64 $24.64

$69.0 $69.0

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$87.9 $87.9

$49.91 $49.91

$135 $135

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$129 $129

$79.5 $79.5

$199 $199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,461 $1,461

$1,192 $1,192

$1,819 $1,819

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,260 $1,260

$981 $981

$1,472 $1,472

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,498 $2,498

$2,228 $2,228

$2,835 $2,835

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,377 $2,377

$1,960 $1,960

$2,744 $2,744

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,262 $3,262

$3,222 $3,222

$3,331 $3,331

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,165 $3,165

$3,126 $3,126

$3,232 $3,232

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,115 $4,115

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 2, 2026

Modesto, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Modesto, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto tends to offer solid value for inland California, appealing to travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want balance without the Bay Area price tag. You’ll find a mix of affordable rentals and practical amenities, with groceries, dining, and services in a middle range for the region. The city’s mid-size scale makes it easy to settle in, explore neighborhoods, and tailor your budget to work and study needs. Cost of Living in Modesto, CA, United States helps frame expectations for longer stays or frequent visits. Tip: Start in a central, walkable district to reduce transport costs and adapt quickly to local options.

Daily life in Modesto centers on practical choices. In housing, you’ll find a mix of older rentals in central districts and newer units along major corridors; look for leases with included utilities or flexible terms to keep budgeting simple. For groceries and dining, local markets and affordable eateries cover a wide range of budgets. Getting around is car-friendly, with straightforward parking, though some neighborhoods are bikeable and walkable. Co-working spaces and cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi cluster in downtown and near campuses. Modesto, CA, United States living cost shapes how you plan errands and commute time. Tip: Build a short list of neighborhoods that fit your pace and test a few short trips during peak hours.

Quality of life here comes from a simple budgeting framework and neighborhood fit. Start with broad categories – housing, transportation, groceries, utilities, and leisure – and adjust for seasonality, such as summer cooling or winter heating. Save by choosing a walkable midtown base with nearby markets and parks, using public transit or biking for short trips, and cooking at home most evenings. Seasonal events, farmers markets, and outdoor recreation offer low-cost ways to enjoy the region. When choosing a neighborhood, consider proximity to work, schools, and cafés for work-friendly days. Tip: Try a two-week stay in two different areas to feel the vibe before committing.