City Comparison
Modesto vs San Jose
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
San Jose scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Modesto
San Jose
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Modesto is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
34% lower than in San Jose.
Housing costs are a major driver: Modesto's average rent is
43% lower than San Jose's.
| Metric | Modesto | San Jose | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $3,395 | -43% |
| Groceries | $420 | $480 | -13% |
| Utilities | $210 | $195 | +8% |
| Transport | $130 | $140 | -7% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $270 | -11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,950 | $4,480 | -34% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 175 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
San Jose offers 42% 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 $95,000 in San Jose.
| Metric | Modesto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,500 | $115,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $95,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,857 idx | 65,714 idx |
| Household Income | $79,891 | $146,427 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 2.7°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — San Jose sees 0.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Modesto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.40°F | 61.70°F |
| Summer High | 94.80°F | 82.20°F |
| Winter Low | 41.50°F | 43.20°F |
| Rainfall | 20.10 in | 20.30 in |
| Snowfall | 0.70 in | 1.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 325 | 319 |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 60.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
San Jose has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Modesto.
San Jose scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Jose leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Modesto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 65.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
San Jose is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x 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 Jose has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Modesto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 219,652 | 989,814 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 38.2 |
| Unemployment | 7.00% | 4.10% |
| 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 Jose
Advantages
Median household income in San Jose is exceptionally high at $146,427, nearly double the national average per the U.S. Census Bureau.
The city enjoys an outstanding climate featuring approximately 319 sunny days per year and mild seasonal temperatures.
San Jose's computer and mathematical occupational sectors command a mean hourly wage of $97.15, vastly outperforming national benchmarks.
The local economy is anchored by global tech innovators and massive employers, offering unmatched career growth in engineering and software.
Educational attainment is remarkably high, with nearly 49% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Drawbacks
The cost of living runs substantially above the national average, driven by high RPP indices and steep consumer prices.
Average monthly rent for apartments exceeds $3,300, placing heavy financial strain on renters.
Median home values surpass $1.2 million, creating significant barriers to entry for prospective homebuyers.
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours on regional freeways can lead to frustrating daily transit times.
Property crime and vehicle break-ins remain persistent urban challenges across certain commercial corridors.
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 Jose
#492California, USA
53.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,395
Avg Salary
$115,000
Cost Index
175
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
319/yr
Avg Temp
61.70°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
79
Business
85
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