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California City, CA vs Running Springs, CA

86
California City
California
VS
-28.4%
120
Running Springs
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. California City is 28.4% cheaper than Running Springs. With a cost index of 86 vs 120, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from California City to Running Springs should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in California City is $1,016/month compared to $1,725/month in Running Springs — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: California City is more affordable at $239,600 median vs $373,300.

Median household income in California City is $55,271 compared to $85,681 in Running Springs (-35.5%). While Running Springs is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of California City spend roughly 22.1% of their income on rent, less than the 24.2% in Running Springs.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
California City
86
28% cheaper
Running Springs
120
Median Household Income
California City
$55,271
Running Springs
$85,681
35% higher

Housing

Median Rent
California City
$1,016
41% cheaper
Running Springs
$1,725
Median Home Value
California City
$239,600
36% cheaper
Running Springs
$373,300
Population
California City
14,821
Running Springs
5,043

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
California City $1,440
Running Springs $2,020
29% cheaper
1 Bed
California City $1,630
Running Springs $2,148
24% cheaper
2 Bed
California City $2,070
Running Springs $2,675
23% cheaper
3 Bed
California City $2,650
Running Springs $3,520
25% cheaper
4 Bed
California City $2,920
Running Springs $4,178
30% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
California City $3.22
Running Springs $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
California City $2.62
Running Springs $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
California City $4.22
Running Springs $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
California City $1.94
Running Springs $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
California City $4.35
Running Springs $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
California City $0.28
Running Springs $0.31
US $0.19