Modesto, CA vs Sunnyvale, CA
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
Sunnyvale
66.4
#1551 nationally
Sunnyvale leads in median household income ($168,924 vs $73,375). Modesto leads in cost of living index (130 vs 205). Sunnyvale leads in average commute (25.6 min vs 29.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 66.4 (#1551) |
| Population | 218,915 | 155,805 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $2,050,814 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $168,924 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+40.0 |
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
66.4 Score
Sunnyvale, CA
Heart of tech innovation
Median Home
$2,050,814
Population
155,805
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Pacific
View Sunnyvale, CA →