Castro Valley, CA vs Duarte, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Duarte is 28.3% cheaper than Castro Valley. With a cost index of 159 vs 204, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Duarte to Castro Valley should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Castro Valley is $2,499/month compared to $1,991/month in Duarte — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Duarte is more affordable at $710,700 median vs $1,058,200.

Median household income in Castro Valley is $138,069 compared to $97,952 in Duarte (+41%). While Castro Valley is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Castro Valley spend roughly 21.7% of their income on rent, less than the 24.4% in Duarte.