Modesto, CA vs Rochester, NY
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
Rochester
71.9
#953 nationally
Modesto leads in median household income ($73,375 vs $42,124). Rochester leads in cost of living index (88 vs 130). Rochester leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 29.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 71.9 (#953) |
| Population | 218,915 | 211,328 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $249,152 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $42,124 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 21.2 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 59 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+19.1 |
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 →
C-
71.9 Score
Rochester, NY
Flour City innovation hub
Median Home
$249,152
Population
211,328
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Northeast
View Rochester, NY →