Best for affordability: Fresno, California
Fresno, California looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.
Demand-Backed Comparison
Compare Modesto vs Fresno on cost, climate, safety, and daily life
People have logged this comparison 16 times on WhyThere. The cards open full city pages. The charts and matrix below are the fast side-by-side read on housing, climate, walkability, safety, schools, parks, and day-to-day tradeoffs.
ModestoFresno
What Stands Out
A quick read on this comparison
Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.
Biggest tradeoff: Modesto, California
Modesto, California is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on daily convenience, weaker on sunshine.
Potential dealbreaker: Modesto, California
Modesto, California needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on tax burden.
Comparison Matrix
| City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | ||
| General Info | ||
| Population | 211,266 | 520,052 |
| Population Density | N/A | 4.7k /sq mi |
| Elevation | 92 ft(28 m) | 308 ft(94 m) |
| Housing & Wealth | ||
| Median Home | $436,258 | $381,978 |
| Median Rent | $2,029 | $1,695 |
| Median Income | $73,375 | $63,001 |
| Rent Burden | 33% | 32% |
| Climate & Risks | ||
| Sunny Days | 335 days/yr | 343 days/yr |
| Avg. High | 78°F | 79°F |
| Comfort Score | 67/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Temp Swing | 45°F | 48°F |
| Annual Rainfall | 17"(43 cm) | 15"(38 cm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 0"(0 cm) | 0"(0 cm) |
| Air Quality | AQI 49 (Avg)42 days > 100 | AQI 50 (Avg)62 days > 100 |
| Infrastructure & Lifestyle | ||
| Walk Score | 65 | 38 |
| Transit Score | 59 | N/A |
| Safety Score | 56 / 100 | 53 / 100 |
| School Rating | 5.3/10 | 5.8/10 |
| Internet Access | Fiber: 22%Cable: 95% | Fiber: 33%Cable: 94% |
| Demographics | ||
| Median Age | 34.9 years | 32.1 years |
| College Educated | 20% | 24% |
| Remote Workers | 7% | 9% |
| Nature Access | ||
| Local Nature & Reserves | Finding... | Finding... |
| Scouting & Local Help | ||
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner. | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Modesto | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Fresno |
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