Salary Comparison
Models: Modesto vs Irvine
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Modesto, CA
$55,095/yr
Irvine, CA
$66,310/yr
Our recommendation: Modesto, CA
Modesto offers $794 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Modesto
Irvine
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$55,095
$66,310
$11,215
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,352
$4,034
$682
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
93
148
-55 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,502
$3,978
$1,476
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,420
$2,580
$1,160
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$850
$56
+$794
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.34×
1.01×
+0.33×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+2
A vs B
Modesto — Full Details
Irvine — 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.