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Carmichael, CA vs North Tustin, CA

131
Carmichael
California
VS
-38.3%
212
North Tustin
California

The cost of living difference between Carmichael, CA and North Tustin, CA is dramatic. Carmichael is 38.3% cheaper than North Tustin, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carmichael has a cost index of 131 while North Tustin sits at 212, 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 Carmichael is $1,595/month compared to $2,397/month in North Tustin — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carmichael is more affordable at $541,500 median vs $1,212,400.

Median household income in Carmichael is $84,376 compared to $186,250 in North Tustin (-54.7%). While North Tustin is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carmichael spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.4% in North Tustin.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Carmichael
131
38% cheaper
North Tustin
212
Median Household Income
Carmichael
$84,376
North Tustin
$186,250
55% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Carmichael
$1,595
33% cheaper
North Tustin
$2,397
Median Home Value
Carmichael
$541,500
55% cheaper
North Tustin
$1,212,400
Population
Carmichael
78,070
North Tustin
26,038

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
Carmichael $1,784
North Tustin $2,031
12% cheaper
1 Bed
Carmichael $1,871
North Tustin $2,272
18% cheaper
2 Bed
Carmichael $2,305
North Tustin $2,835
19% cheaper
3 Bed
Carmichael $3,077
North Tustin $3,599
15% cheaper
4 Bed
Carmichael $3,552
North Tustin $4,010
11% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Carmichael $3.22
North Tustin $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Carmichael $2.62
North Tustin $2.68
US $2.50
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Milk (whole)
Carmichael $4.22
North Tustin $4.31
US $4.03
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Bread (white)
Carmichael $1.94
North Tustin $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Carmichael $4.35
North Tustin $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Carmichael $0.26
North Tustin $0.27
US $0.19