Compton, CA vs Goleta, CA

The cost of living difference between Compton, CA and Goleta, CA is dramatic. Compton is 31.3% cheaper than Goleta, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Compton has a cost index of 134 while Goleta sits at 194, 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 Compton is $1,601/month compared to $2,385/month in Goleta — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Compton is more affordable at $546,700 median vs $1,002,500.

Median household income in Compton is $74,270 compared to $118,039 in Goleta (-37.1%). While Goleta is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Compton spend roughly 25.9% of their income on rent, more than the 24.2% in Goleta.