55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
60
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Modesto wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Modesto wins 1–3 overall (60/100)
💰 Modesto is more affordable
💼 New York has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Modesto — The Verdict
Modesto scores 60.2/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Modesto has a clear edge with home prices 48% lower. Modesto may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Modesto are 48% lower — a difference of $350,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Modesto saves you $217/month — that's $2,604 per year.
📊
New York has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$381,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,497
Median Income
$76,607
$73,375
The affordability gap is significant — Modesto offers home prices 48% lower than New York, translating to $350,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
5.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with New York having a slight edge at 4.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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)
9
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Modesto: Common Questions
Is New York or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Modesto is more affordable overall. Home prices are $350,300 lower in Modesto. Monthly rent is $1,497 in Modesto vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Modesto have better weather?
Modesto scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Modesto better for finding a job?
New York currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 5.5% in Modesto. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $73,375 in Modesto.
Which city is safer — New York or Modesto?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Modesto. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Modesto.
Should I move from New York to Modesto?
Based on our data, Modesto scores 60.2/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Modesto is more affordable, while Modesto has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York 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.