Castaic, CA vs Salton City, CA

The cost of living difference between Castaic, CA and Salton City, CA is dramatic. Salton City is 64% cheaper than Castaic, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Castaic has a cost index of 152 while Salton City sits at 92, 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 Castaic is $1,751/month compared to $1,295/month in Salton City — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salton City is more affordable at $189,800 median vs $710,400.

Median household income in Castaic is $132,153 compared to $36,915 in Salton City (+258%). While Castaic is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Castaic spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, less than the 42.1% in Salton City. The Castaic ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.