Salary Comparison
Chief Executives: Modesto vs Costa Mesa
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Modesto, CA
$181,839/yr
Costa Mesa, CA
$231,500/yr
Our recommendation: Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa offers $1,798 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Modesto
Costa Mesa
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$181,839
$231,500
$49,661
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$11,062
$14,083
$3,021
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
93
139
-46 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,502
$3,725
$1,223
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,420
$2,380
$960
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$8,560
$10,358
$1,798
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.42×
3.78×
+0.64×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Modesto — Full Details
Costa Mesa — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.