2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Modesto, CA vs Petaluma, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Petaluma or is it cheaper to live in Modesto?
- Petaluma is 30.5% more expensive than Modesto.

Which city has more affordable housing, Petaluma or Modesto?
- Petaluma housing costs are 111.3% more expensive than Modesto housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Modesto or is Health Care more affordable in Petaluma.
- Health related expenses are 10.1% more in Petaluma.
 Modesto, CAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock151.8100
 Food & Groceries103.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.3100
 Housing133.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$839,600$338,100
 Utilities112  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock113.1100
 Miscellaneous110.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Modesto    35 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I was born and raised here (still currently live here) and there are some nice areas and not so nice areas. I really think we need to improve our community and create  More

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Over 4 years ago

It's fine. Lived here for over 10 years. Here's my breakdown. CONS: Crime rate: mostly on the westside, unless you live in better developed areas. Summer weather:  More

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I know this website is probably only for adults, which I am not, but I thought perhaps adults would like to hear a kid's perspective of things, you know, if any adult  More

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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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