47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
60
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Modesto wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Modesto wins 0–3 overall (60/100)
💰 Modesto is more affordable
💼 Modesto has lower unemployment
🛡️ Modesto has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Modesto — The Verdict
Modesto scores 60.2/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Modesto has a clear edge with home prices 54% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Modesto has a notably lower disaster history with 43 fewer declarations in 20 years. Modesto may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Modesto are 54% lower — a difference of $440,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Modesto saves you $294/month — that's $3,528 per year.
🛡️
Modesto has experienced 43 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$381,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,497
Median Income
$76,244
$73,375
The affordability gap is significant — Modesto offers home prices 54% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $440,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
5.5%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
11
Modesto has a markedly lower disaster history — 43 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Modesto: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Modesto is more affordable overall. Home prices are $440,800 lower in Modesto. Monthly rent is $1,497 in Modesto vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Modesto have better weather?
Modesto scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Modesto better for finding a job?
Modesto currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 5.5% in Modesto. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $73,375 in Modesto.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Modesto?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Modesto is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Modesto. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Modesto.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Modesto?
Based on our data, Modesto scores 60.2/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Modesto is more affordable, while Modesto has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Modesto?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.