Barstow, CA vs Templeton, CA

The cost of living difference between Barstow, CA and Templeton, CA is dramatic. Barstow is 49.9% cheaper than Templeton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Barstow has a cost index of 88 while Templeton sits at 176, 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 $2,399/month in Templeton — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barstow is more affordable at $222,600 median vs $782,700.

Median household income in Barstow is $51,811 compared to $114,155 in Templeton (-54.6%). While Templeton 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, less than the 25.2% in Templeton.