Alturas, CA vs Magalia, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alturas is 25.8% cheaper than Magalia. With a cost index of 74 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alturas to Magalia should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alturas is $781/month compared to $1,413/month in Magalia — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alturas is more affordable at $152,600 median vs $254,400.

Median household income in Alturas is $54,634 compared to $60,625 in Magalia (-9.9%). Magalia does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Alturas spend roughly 17.2% of their income on rent, less than the 28% in Magalia.