Barstow, CA vs La Cresta, CA

Barstow, CA and La Cresta, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.5% difference in their overall index. Barstow scores 88 while La Cresta scores 89 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 Barstow is $1,065/month compared to $1,097/month in La Cresta — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barstow is more affordable at $222,600 median vs $236,800.

Median household income in Barstow is $51,811 compared to $49,836 in La Cresta (+4%). Barstow offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Barstow spend roughly 24.7% of their income on rent, less than the 26.4% in La Cresta.