Barstow, CA vs Turlock, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Barstow is 25.7% cheaper than Turlock. With a cost index of 88 vs 119, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Barstow to Turlock should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Barstow is $1,065/month compared to $1,498/month in Turlock — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barstow is more affordable at $222,600 median vs $443,900.

Median household income in Barstow is $51,811 compared to $79,807 in Turlock (-35.1%). While Turlock 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 22.5% in Turlock.