City Comparison
Modesto vs Anaheim
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Modesto scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Modesto
Anaheim
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Modesto is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Anaheim.
Housing costs are a major driver: Modesto's average rent is
22% lower than Anaheim's.
| Metric | Modesto | Anaheim | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $2,487 | -22% |
| Groceries | $420 | $411 | +2% |
| Utilities | $210 | $262 | -20% |
| Transport | $130 | $514 | -75% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $139 | +73% |
| Monthly Total | $2,950 | $3,813 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 149 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Modesto offers 70% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Modesto delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Modesto is estimated at
$60,000 vs $59,000 in Anaheim.
| Metric | Modesto | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,500 | $39,182 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $59,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,857 idx | 26,297 idx |
| Household Income | $79,891 | $95,227 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Modesto runs warmer on average — a 64.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Modesto comes out ahead with 325 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Modesto sees 0.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Modesto | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 94.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 41.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 20.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 325 | |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 60.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Anaheim has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Modesto.
Anaheim scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Anaheim leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Modesto | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 50.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 67.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Anaheim is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Modesto.
From a growth perspective, Modesto is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Anaheim has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Modesto | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 219,652 | 346,597 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.31% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 34.2 |
| Unemployment | 7.00% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | $22.8B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Modesto
Advantages
Median home prices in Modesto remain substantially more affordable than coastal California markets like San Francisco or San Jose.
The city features cultural landmarks like the Gallo Center for the Arts, providing vibrant local entertainment and performing arts.
Proximity to agricultural hubs offers residents access to exceptional local produce and weekly farmers' markets.
Robust regional healthcare networks provide advanced medical care and extensive employment opportunities.
Geographic location provides convenient weekend access to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Drawbacks
Crime rates for both property and violent categories sit notably above the national average.
Summer temperatures regularly reach extreme highs, requiring significant energy costs for residential air conditioning.
High car dependency and limited public transit options lead to congested arterial roadways during peak commuting hours.
Local unemployment rates historically track higher than the national baseline due to seasonal agricultural shifts.
Air quality in the San Joaquin Valley basin can experience periodic degradation during peak summer and wildfire seasons.
Anaheim
Advantages
Anaheim boasts a diverse job market with strong opportunities in tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 280 sunny days annually, ideal for outdoor activities.
Home to world-renowned entertainment like Disneyland Resort, offering abundant recreational and cultural attractions.
Healthcare costs are approximately 7% lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in Anaheim was 3.2% in March 2026, below state and county averages.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Anaheim is significantly high, approximately 48.7% above the national average.
Housing costs are particularly expensive, being around 175.1% higher than the U.S. average.
Anaheim has a higher violent crime rate (596.2 per 100,000 residents) compared to the national average.
Traffic congestion is a notable issue, especially on major freeways and around popular attractions.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Modesto
#546California, USA
48.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$66,500
Cost Index
98
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
325/yr
Avg Temp
64.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
7.00%
Livability
71
Business
67
Anaheim
#597California, USA
41.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,487
Avg Salary
$39,182
Cost Index
149
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
50.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.31%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
72
Business
70
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