City Comparison
Modesto vs San Francisco
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
San Francisco scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Modesto
San Francisco
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Modesto is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
48% lower than in San Francisco.
Housing costs are a major driver: Modesto's average rent is
56% lower than San Francisco's.
| Metric | Modesto | San Francisco | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $4,475 | -56% |
| Groceries | $420 | $550 | -24% |
| Utilities | $210 | $210 | 0% |
| Transport | $130 | $105 | +24% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $310 | -23% |
| Monthly Total | $2,950 | $5,650 | -48% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 168 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
San Francisco offers 34% lower 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 $85,000 in San Francisco.
| Metric | Modesto | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,500 | $100,200 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,857 idx | 59,643 idx |
| Household Income | $79,891 | $140,970 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Modesto runs warmer on average — a 6.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Modesto comes out ahead with 12 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 | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.40°F | 57.50°F |
| Summer High | 94.80°F | 65.00°F |
| Winter Low | 41.50°F | 46.10°F |
| Rainfall | 20.10 in | 21.00 in |
| Snowfall | 0.70 in | 0.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 325 | 313 |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
San Francisco scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Francisco leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Modesto | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 80.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 87.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 62.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Low |
Population
Economy & Demographics
San Francisco is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Modesto.
From a growth perspective, Modesto is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, San Francisco has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Modesto | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 219,652 | 826,079 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 40.0 |
| Unemployment | 7.00% | 3.90% |
| 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 Francisco
Advantages
Median household income stands high at $140,970 per the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.
Access to world-class public transportation and high walkability relative to most US cities.
Thriving innovation and tech startup ecosystem with robust venture capital presence.
Abundant natural beauty, featuring Golden Gate Park and immediate proximity to coastal trails.
Renowned culinary scene featuring diverse international cuisine and Michelin-starred dining.
Drawbacks
Average rent prices remain among the highest in the United States, averaging over $4,400 per month.
Overall cost of living index is significantly elevated compared to the national average.
High property crime rates and visible street-level challenges in select downtown commercial corridors.
Steep home purchase prices with average single-family homes exceeding $1.4 million per Zillow data.
State and local tax burdens are among the highest in the nation.
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 Francisco
#545California, USA
48.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$4,475
Avg Salary
$100,200
Cost Index
168
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
80.0/100
Walkability
87.0/100
Sunny Days
313/yr
Avg Temp
57.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
79
Business
82
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