City Comparison
Modesto vs San Bernardino
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Modesto scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Modesto
San Bernardino
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
San Bernardino is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Modesto.
| Metric | Modesto | San Bernardino | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $1,803 | +8% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $210 | $180 | +17% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,950 | $2,803 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 124 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Modesto offers 5% 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 $55,000 in San Bernardino.
| Metric | Modesto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,500 | $63,500 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,857 idx | 51,210 idx |
| Household Income | $79,891 | $67,415 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 2.4°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Modesto sees 0.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Modesto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.40°F | 66.80°F |
| Summer High | 94.80°F | 93.30°F |
| Winter Low | 41.50°F | 44.70°F |
| Rainfall | 20.10 in | 19.60 in |
| Snowfall | 0.70 in | 0.10 in |
| Sunny Days | 325 | 328 |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
San Bernardino has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Modesto.
San Bernardino scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Bernardino leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Modesto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
San Bernardino is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Modesto is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, San Bernardino has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Modesto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 219,652 | 222,044 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.01% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 32.2 |
| Unemployment | 7.00% | 5.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
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.
San Bernardino
Advantages
More affordable cost of living compared to coastal California cities.
Proximity to diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountains and deserts.
Growing logistics and transportation industry providing job opportunities.
Developing urban core with ongoing revitalization efforts.
Diverse and multicultural population contributing to a rich community fabric.
Drawbacks
Higher crime rates compared to state and national averages, particularly property crime and vehicle theft.
Housing costs are higher than the national average.
Car dependency is high, with public transportation options being less comprehensive.
Economic disparities exist within the population.
Perception of safety can be a concern for some 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
San Bernardino
#604California, USA
37.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,803
Avg Salary
$63,500
Cost Index
124
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
328/yr
Avg Temp
66.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.01%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
70
Business
68
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