Calistoga, CA vs Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Calistoga is 29.5% cheaper than Lagunitas-Forest Knolls. With a cost index of 151 vs 214, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Calistoga to Lagunitas-Forest Knolls should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Calistoga is $1,798/month compared to $3,200/month in Lagunitas-Forest Knolls — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calistoga is more affordable at $702,700 median vs $922,400.

Median household income in Calistoga is $84,892 compared to $128,656 in Lagunitas-Forest Knolls (-34%). While Lagunitas-Forest Knolls is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Calistoga spend roughly 25.4% of their income on rent, less than the 29.8% in Lagunitas-Forest Knolls.