Join free

Compare Cities

Measure ModestoCalifornia, United States Remove Modesto San Luis ObispoCalifornia, United States Remove San Luis Obispo
Scores (out of 10)
Overall score 5.7 5.6
Connector Score 7.9 7.8
Safety 7.0 6.4
Affordability 6.0 2.8
Transportation 6.5 7.0
Car-free friendliness 5.5 4.5
Walkability 4.5 4.4
Things to do 5.4 5.6
Food & dining 4.5 4.4
Places to stay 6.0 5.3
Nature & outdoors 3.5 7.0
Scenic value 4.0 7.8
Family friendliness 4.9 4.8
Solo-traveler friendliness 5.2 5.0
Nightlife 4.3 3.7
Remote-work friendliness 5.2 5.3
Road-trip convenience 6.5 6.5
Train-trip convenience 7.8 7.0
Bus-trip convenience 1.5 1.5
Cost (per person per day, USD)
Budget $103 $168
Mid-range $150 $255
Luxury $243 $459
Living there
Cost of living index (national = 100) 105 140
Typical 1-bedroom rent $1,500 $1,925
Median home price $450,000 $935,000
Population 220K 51K
Getting there
Accessible by Drive Train Drive Train Airport
Car recommended — —
Travel time from Modesto — 3 h 55 min details
Character
Best for — Beaches
Known for Lakes & rivers, Museums & galleries, Live music Beaches, Mountains & hiking, Lakes & rivers, Historic sites, Live music, Shopping
When to go Peak: Spring through fall and Yosemite summer… —

Scores and costs are estimates from public data and our own research; check the city pages for sources and dates.

The newsletter

Postcards from the road, every other week

New city guides, events worth planning a trip around, and the places worth the detour. Pick your topics, or leave them all unticked for everything.