Avalon, CA vs Capitola, CA

Avalon, CA and Capitola, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.8% difference in their overall index. Avalon scores 177 while Capitola scores 173 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Avalon is $2,087/month compared to $2,376/month in Capitola — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Avalon has cheaper rent, Capitola actually has lower median home values ($746,000 vs $902,800).

Median household income in Avalon is $91,713 compared to $96,412 in Capitola (-4.9%). Capitola offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Avalon spend roughly 27.3% of their income on rent, less than the 29.6% in Capitola.