Fresno and Modesto are both major cities in California's Central Valley, offering unique qualities and amenities to their residents and visitors. Fresno, being larger, offers more job opportunities and cultural attractions, while Modesto's smaller size provides a more tight-knit community feel. However, it's important to delve deeper into specific aspects to understand the full comparison between the two cities.
Distance between
Fresno, CA and
Modesto, CA : 89.8 miles
Fresno's population is larger by 149%. Its population has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) since 2000. The population of Modesto has grown by 29,915 people (15.8%) during that time.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Fresno has a higher crime rate compared to both the national and California averages. Much of this crime is property related, though it also has a high violent crime rate. Modesto's crime rate is slightly lower but still higher than the state and national averages. In both cities, community safety initiatives are ongoing to curb these crime rates.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,478 registered sex offenders living in Fresno and 613 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fresno is 353 to 1; the ratio in Modesto is 346 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Fresno is near to than in Modesto.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both cities is below the California average, but somewhat higher compared to the rest of the U.S. Housing represents the most significant aspect of the cost of living, with Fresno being slightly more expensive than Modesto.
Income Tax
In both cities, as they are in California, income tax can range from 1% up to 13.3% depending on income level, which is notably higher than the national average.
Property Tax
Fresno and Modesto both charge property taxes based on county rates. Fresno's property tax rate is around 0.74%, while Modesto's is slightly higher around 0.77%.
Sales Tax
California's state sales tax rate is 7.25%. Fresno imposes a 1.975% local tax making the total sales tax 9.225%. Modesto, on the other hand, imposes a 1.625% local tax making their total sales tax 8.875%.
Income
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Estimated median household income
$61,250
$70,469
Estimated per capita income
$28,499
$32,456
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.3
98.6
If you make $50,000 in Fresno, you will have to make $51,194 in Modesto to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Fresno is located closer to the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park, and Kings Canyon, offering outdoor adventure options. Modesto, meanwhile, has Proximity to the lower Sierra foothills and coastal destinations like Santa Cruz and Monterey.
Both cities have a variety of public, private, and charter school options for K-12 education. For higher education, Fresno is home to California State University, Fresno, one of the largest schools in the CSU system, and a multitude of community colleges. Modesto also offers community college options and a satellite campus for CSU Stanislaus.
Fresno’s economy has a broader base, with healthcare, education, and government as main sectors. Modesto, on the other hand, is dominated by agriculture and food processing industries. The unemployment rate is often higher in Fresno, but job growth in both cities is expected to keep up with the national average.
Biggest Employers
In Fresno, some of the largest employers include the Community Medical Centers, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Fresno Unified School District, and the City of Fresno. For Modesto, big employers encompass E&J Gallo Winery, Modesto City Schools, Sutter Health, and the City of Modesto.
There were 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Modesto in 2012 (178 more than in 2011).
In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Modesto (Stanislaus County), 49.9% voted for Democrats and 47.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
2020
53.0%
49.0%
45.2%
48.2%
1.8%
2.7%
2016
49.2%
46.8%
43.2%
45.0%
7.5%
8.2%
2012
49.8%
49.9%
48.0%
47.2%
2.2%
3.0%
2008
50.2%
49.9%
48.1%
48.2%
1.8%
1.9%
2004
42.0%
40.8%
57.8%
59.2%
0.3%
0.0%
2000
43.2%
44.1%
53.3%
52.5%
3.5%
3.4%
1996
45.3%
45.9%
47.4%
44.8%
7.3%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
CATHOLIC CHURCH
31.0%
20.9%
6.1%
4.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.5%
8.1%
9.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.8%
2.6%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.2%
2.4%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.1%
2.0%
0.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
0.3%
Weather
Fresno and Modesto both enjoy typical California weather: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Fresno tends to be slightly warmer with temperatures taking up to the 100s in the summertime. Modesto has a bit more temperate climate staying in the 90s during summer.
Weather and climate
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Temperature - Average
63°F
62.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
60.9%
63.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
67%
58.7%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
88%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
21%
27.3%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11.6 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.4%
30.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.8%
79.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
37.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
96%
86.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
49.6%
Wind speed - Average
6.5 mph
8.4 mph
Average climate in Fresno, California
Average climate in Modesto, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
Modesto
Fresno
2018
128
130
0.35
0.29
9.7
9.3
31.7
28.5
N/A
0.006
39.7
31.3
14.8
15.3
0.6
N/A
2017
132
125
0.35
0.29
9.2
9.0
33.2
29.4
N/A
0.005
38.3
30.1
14.3
12.9
0.6
N/A
2016
128
120
0.35
0.28
8.4
8.8
31.4
27.6
N/A
0.005
34.7
26.4
13.5
11.3
0.5
N/A
2015
134
122
0.32
0.29
8.7
9.1
31.1
28.7
N/A
0.005
34.2
26.6
13.9
11.1
0.5
N/A
2014
139
118
0.33
0.30
10.1
9.9
32.4
29.5
0.004
0.005
39.3
28.8
16.4
11.4
0.5
N/A
2013
136
122
0.37
0.34
11.1
10.8
31.0
26.8
0.005
0.005
43.3
31.7
19.1
14.5
0.6
N/A
2012
140
129
0.36
0.30
9.7
10.8
31.9
27.3
0.004
0.005
36.1
23.8
14.2
11.9
0.6
N/A
2011
139
125
0.34
0.25
8.7
10.9
33.5
23.7
N/A
0.003
30.2
23.2
21.1
14.7
0.8
N/A
2010
121
118
0.27
0.15
6.9
10.2
31.1
24.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
14.0
N/A
11.1
0.7
N/A
2009
107
128
0.31
0.20
7.3
11.5
29.6
25.1
N/A
0.005
N/A
15.8
N/A
13.4
1.6
N/A
2008
130
143
0.33
0.24
9.3
12.1
31.1
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.7
22.2
16.7
1.0
N/A
2007
146
134
0.34
0.29
10.0
12.3
28.4
24.8
N/A
0.009
N/A
19.5
26.0
16.8
0.7
N/A
2006
104
90
0.36
0.38
11.3
13.3
29.7
26.0
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2005
101
85
0.33
0.42
10.7
14.4
28.1
24.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2004
103
89
0.34
0.44
11.5
14.7
30.8
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
115
98
0.44
0.55
15.0
16.6
31.2
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.1
N/A
N/A
1.2
N/A
2002
139
106
0.43
0.48
15.2
17.2
44.8
23.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
143
98
0.42
0.42
15.1
18.4
47.3
23.3
N/A
0.006
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
136
102
0.51
0.54
15.4
18.7
41.0
23.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9.9%
10.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
8,613%
8,222.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
13%
Transportation
Both cities have public transportation systems, but Fresno’s is more developed with its FAX bus system and Amtrak station. Modesto, while smaller, also has a bus system and an Amtrak station. As for commuting, both have similar commute times to work, averaging around 25-30 minutes.
Transport
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
408
149
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
36
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Bicycle
0.8%
0.6%
Bus
1.3%
0.5%
Carpooled
10.7%
10.3%
Car alone
84.4%
85.6%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Average
23.7 min
26.4 min
Other means
21.5 min
25.3 min
Public transportation
45.3 min
43.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.3%
85.4%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
10.6%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
2.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.9%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Fresno tends to be more expensive than in Modesto. Fresno has seen a recent uptick in its real estate market due to its growing economy. Regardless, housing in both cities is more affordable compared to other California areas.
Neighborhoods
Fresno offers a greater variety of neighborhoods, from the upscale Woodward Park and North Growth Area to more affordable areas like Roosevelt. In Modesto, La Loma and Del Rio are sought-after neighborhoods while Downtown Modesto is more budget-friendly.
Houses and residents
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Houses
188,756
74,871
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.9
Median year apartment built
1977
1975
Median year house/condo built
1983
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
13.3 years
Houses occupied
181,841 (96.3%)
71,775 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
91,233 (50.2%)
42,340 (59%)
Houses occupied by renters
90,608 (49.8%)
29,435 (41%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$958.34
$958.83
Median monthly housing costs
$1,209
$1,448
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$285,919
$564,548
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,300
$389,500
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$375,492
$397,779
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,112
$229,596
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$196,355
$124,155
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$287,684
$329,149
Median house price - mobile homes
$100,122
$98,349
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$260,277
$335,824
Median house price - All housing units
$358,028
$383,436
Median house age
42
44
Renting percentage
50.9%
43%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,808.6
2,092.2
House value disparities
29.4%
23.7%
Household income disparities
46.4%
42.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$97,354
$98,493
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$73,445
$77,546
Housing units without a mortgage
1,037 (1.7%)
350 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,880 (4.8%)
918 (3.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,354 (98.3%)
28,403 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
68 (0.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,120 (6.8%)
1,766 (6.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fresno
Modesto
One, detached
59.0%
71.2%
One, attached
3.2%
7.6%
Two
3.0%
1.8%
3 or 4
7.8%
6.6%
5 to 9
9.6%
3.2%
10 to 19
3.6%
2.1%
20 to 49
3.4%
1.1%
50 or more
7.5%
3.8%
Mobile homes
2.6%
2.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,428
5,717
State government workers
9,836
2,512
Unpaid family workers
890
46
Industries and Occupations
In Fresno, healthcare, education, and public sector jobs are dominant. Modesto's economy leans heavily on farming, with a number of large food processing operations and wineries. Both cities also have significant retail sectors.
Fresno has a more diversified health care system, with facilities like the Community Regional Medical Center and Saint Agnes Medical Center. Modesto's primary provider is the Sutter Health network with its Memorial Medical Center.
Fresno benefits from its proximity to three major highways (Highway 99, 41, and 180), and a major airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Modesto has also good highway access (Highway 99 and 132), but its airport serves mostly general aviation.
Infrastructure
Type
Fresno
Modesto
Hospitals
32
7
TV stations
4
11
Bank branches located here
98
54
Bank institutions located here
25
20
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
9
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fresno
Modesto
1999
717
363
2000
484
442
2001
462
451
2002
569
482
2003
1,510
812
2004
2,462
1,284
2005
3,394
1,884
2006
3,441
1,720
2007
2,138
1,014
2008
760
505
2009
354
255
Culture and Food
Fresno’s larger size enables a wider range of cultural experiences, like the Fresno Art Museum and a bustling food scene highlighted by a strong Mexican influence. Modesto retains a small-town charm with its classic car scene and farm-to-table restaurants.
Sports Teams
While neither city has major league sports teams, Fresno hosts several minor league sports like Fresno FC (soccer) and Fresno Grizzlies (baseball). Modesto offers the Modesto Nuts, a minor league baseball team.
Fresno, CA
Modesto, CA
Fresno, CA and 
Modesto, CA : 89.8 miles
