Home / Compare / Carmichael vs Ontario

Carmichael, CA vs Ontario, CA

131
Carmichael
California
VS
-7.9%
142
Ontario
California

Carmichael is moderately more affordable than Ontario, with a 7.9% lower cost of living index. Carmichael scores 131 compared to 142 for Ontario, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Ontario can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Carmichael is $1,595/month compared to $1,916/month in Ontario — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carmichael is more affordable at $541,500 median vs $568,000.

Median household income in Carmichael is $84,376 compared to $82,806 in Ontario (+1.9%). Carmichael offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carmichael spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Ontario.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Carmichael
131
8% cheaper
Ontario
142
Median Household Income
Carmichael
$84,376
2% higher
Ontario
$82,806

Housing

Median Rent
Carmichael
$1,595
17% cheaper
Ontario
$1,916
Median Home Value
Carmichael
$541,500
5% cheaper
Ontario
$568,000
Population
Carmichael
78,070
Ontario
178,347

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Formula:

Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Carmichael $1,784
Ontario $2,020
12% cheaper
1 Bed
Carmichael $1,871
Ontario $2,148
13% cheaper
2 Bed
Carmichael $2,305
Ontario $2,675
14% cheaper
3 Bed
Carmichael $3,077
Ontario $3,520
13% cheaper
4 Bed
Carmichael $3,552
Ontario $4,178
15% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Carmichael $3.22
Ontario $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Carmichael $2.62
Ontario $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Carmichael $4.22
Ontario $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Carmichael $1.94
Ontario $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Carmichael $4.35
Ontario $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
Carmichael $0.26
Ontario $0.31
US $0.19