Modesto, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Modesto
64.2
#1712 nationally
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 130). Modesto leads in walk score (48 vs 41). Modesto leads in median household income ($73,375 vs $65,891).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 66.7 (#1514) |
| Population | 218,915 | 1,650,070 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $408,770 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $65,891 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | N/A | 5.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | R+3.5 |
D
64.2 Score
Modesto, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$447,153
Population
218,915
Crime
High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Modesto, CA →
D
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →