Barstow, CA vs Redlands, CA

The cost of living difference between Barstow, CA and Redlands, CA is dramatic. Barstow is 38.2% cheaper than Redlands, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Barstow has a cost index of 88 while Redlands sits at 142, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Barstow is $1,065/month compared to $1,883/month in Redlands — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barstow is more affordable at $222,600 median vs $583,000.

Median household income in Barstow is $51,811 compared to $99,158 in Redlands (-47.7%). While Redlands is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Barstow spend roughly 24.7% of their income on rent, more than the 22.8% in Redlands.