Byron, CA vs Matheny, CA

The cost of living difference between Byron, CA and Matheny, CA is dramatic. Matheny is 115% cheaper than Byron, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Byron has a cost index of 187 while Matheny sits at 87, 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 Byron is $2,488/month compared to $1,250/month in Matheny — a 99% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Matheny is more affordable at $167,000 median vs $862,200.

Median household income in Byron is $92,813 compared to $68,269 in Matheny (+36%). Byron 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 Byron spend roughly 32.2% of their income on rent, more than the 22% in Matheny. The Matheny ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.