Castaic, CA vs Willows, CA

The cost of living difference between Castaic, CA and Willows, CA is dramatic. Willows is 56.9% cheaper than Castaic, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Castaic has a cost index of 152 while Willows sits at 97, 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 $1,149/month in Willows — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Willows is more affordable at $286,200 median vs $710,400.

Median household income in Castaic is $132,153 compared to $78,179 in Willows (+69%). 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 17.6% in Willows.