Salary & Cost of Living in Modesto, CA
Modesto, CA: $50,000 median salary, cost of living index 100, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,000
$24/hr
Cost of Living
100
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
5.2%
rate
Modesto, CA Overview
Population
218,464
Median Salary
$50,000
Average Salary
$56,000
Avg Commute
28 min
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Job Growth
+1.2%
Sales Tax
7.88%
Modesto is located in California with a population of 218,464. The median household salary is $50,000 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.2%.
Modesto Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Modesto, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$37,564
$3,130.29/month · $1,444.75/biweekly · Effective Rate: 24.9%
Gross Pay
$50,000
Federal Tax
-$3,962
State Tax
-$4,650
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,825
Net Pay
$37,564
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,166.67 | $50,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$330.13 | -$3,961.50 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$387.50 | -$4,650.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$258.33 | -$3,100.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$60.42 | -$725.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,130.29 | $37,563.50 |
Salary Comparison: Modesto vs Other Cities
See how Modesto's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
| Sioux City, IA | $50,000 | 84 | $59,524 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Modesto
Modesto's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100). Modesto's cost of living matches the national average.
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,350
Annual Rent Cost
$16,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $37,564 annual take-home pay in Modesto has the purchasing power of approximately $37,564 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Modesto
Modesto's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,000.
Salary Tips for Modesto Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 9.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Modesto's top industries include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Modesto, CA?
The median salary in Modesto, CA is $50,000 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,000. This is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Modesto, CA?
Modesto's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100), meaning it is equal to the cost of living compared to the national average. The median home price is $380,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,350.
What are the best industries in Modesto?
The top industries in Modesto, CA include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1.2% and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,000.
How does Modesto's salary compare to other cities?
Modesto's median salary of $50,000 is 15.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 100), the real purchasing power is approximately $50,000.
What is the minimum wage in Modesto, CA?
The minimum wage in Modesto, CA is $16.50 per hour. This equals approximately $34,320 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.