City Comparison
Oakland vs Modesto
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Modesto scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Oakland
Modesto
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Modesto is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
10% lower than in Oakland.
Housing costs are a major driver: Oakland's average rent is
23% higher than Modesto's.
| Metric | Oakland | Modesto | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,395 | $1,950 | +23% |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 | -5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 | -14% |
| Transport | $90 | $130 | -31% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $240 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $3,285 | $2,950 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 116 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Oakland offers 47% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Oakland delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Oakland is estimated at
$75,000 vs $60,000 in Modesto.
| Metric | Oakland | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $97,910 | $66,500 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $60,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,405 idx | 67,857 idx |
| Household Income | $101,600 | $79,891 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Modesto runs warmer on average — a 5.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Modesto comes out ahead with 14 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 | Oakland | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 58.70°F | 64.40°F |
| Summer High | 72.20°F | 94.80°F |
| Winter Low | 43.50°F | 41.50°F |
| Rainfall | 22.70 in | 20.10 in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | 0.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 311 | 325 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 55.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Oakland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Oakland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Oakland | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 68.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 48.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Oakland is the larger city
— approximately 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, Oakland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Oakland | Modesto |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,838 | 219,652 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.9 | 35.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.90% | 7.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Oakland
Advantages
Median household income stands at $101,600 per US Census Bureau data, reflecting strong earning potential.
Abundant cultural amenities and recreational spaces, including the iconic Lake Merritt park system.
Exceptional ethnic and cultural diversity with rich neighborhood communities.
Robust public transit infrastructure including direct BART lines connecting across the Bay Area.
Proximity to major Bay Area employment centers, universities, and natural wilderness areas.
Drawbacks
Cost of living runs roughly 16% above the national average per federal economic data.
Elevated property and violent crime rates in specific commercial and residential zones.
High average rent prices ($2,395 per month via Zillow) strain housing affordability.
Steep state income taxes and local levies add to the financial burden of residents.
Traffic congestion during peak commute hours along major interstate corridors.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Oakland
#568California, USA
47.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,395
Avg Salary
$97,910
Cost Index
116
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
68.0/100
Sunny Days
311/yr
Avg Temp
58.70°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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
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