Boulder Creek, CA vs La Palma, CA

Boulder Creek is moderately more affordable than La Palma, with a 12.8% lower cost of living index. Boulder Creek scores 160 compared to 183 for La Palma, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of La Palma can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Boulder Creek is $1,844/month compared to $2,239/month in La Palma — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Boulder Creek is more affordable at $785,200 median vs $916,600.

Median household income in Boulder Creek is $106,842 compared to $115,833 in La Palma (-7.8%). The higher salaries in La Palma partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Boulder Creek spend roughly 20.7% of their income on rent, less than the 23.2% in La Palma.