Calexico, CA vs Richmond, CA

The cost of living difference between Calexico, CA and Richmond, CA is dramatic. Calexico is 40.8% cheaper than Richmond, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Calexico has a cost index of 90 while Richmond sits at 152, 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 Calexico is $1,049/month compared to $1,895/month in Richmond — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calexico is more affordable at $281,700 median vs $650,100.

Median household income in Calexico is $50,021 compared to $90,038 in Richmond (-44.4%). While Richmond is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Calexico spend roughly 25.2% of their income on rent, less than the 25.3% in Richmond.