Barstow, CA vs Rocklin, CA

The cost of living difference between Barstow, CA and Rocklin, CA is dramatic. Barstow is 44.7% cheaper than Rocklin, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Barstow has a cost index of 88 while Rocklin sits at 159, 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 $2,178/month in Rocklin — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barstow is more affordable at $222,600 median vs $673,300.

Median household income in Barstow is $51,811 compared to $120,916 in Rocklin (-57.2%). While Rocklin 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 21.6% in Rocklin.