Bethel Island, CA vs El Rio, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bethel Island is 18% cheaper than El Rio. With a cost index of 128 vs 157, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bethel Island to El Rio should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethel Island is $1,390/month compared to $2,122/month in El Rio — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bethel Island is more affordable at $549,500 median vs $639,600.

Median household income in Bethel Island is $78,393 compared to $83,233 in El Rio (-5.8%). El Rio does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethel Island spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, less than the 30.6% in El Rio. The Bethel Island ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.