Home / Compare / Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) vs Marina del Rey

Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), CA vs Marina del Rey, CA

86
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)
California
VS
-53.7%
185
Marina del Rey
California

The cost of living difference between Cottonwood CDP (Kern County), CA and Marina del Rey, CA is dramatic. Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is 53.7% cheaper than Marina del Rey, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) has a cost index of 86 while Marina del Rey sits at 185, 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 Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is $947/month compared to $3,501/month in Marina del Rey — a 73% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is more affordable at $256,400 median vs $470,600.

Median household income in Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) is $40,339 compared to $142,440 in Marina del Rey (-71.7%). While Marina del Rey is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) spend roughly 28.2% of their income on rent, less than the 29.5% in Marina del Rey.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)
86
54% cheaper
Marina del Rey
185
Median Household Income
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)
$40,339
Marina del Rey
$142,440
72% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)
$947
73% cheaper
Marina del Rey
$3,501
Median Home Value
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)
$256,400
46% cheaper
Marina del Rey
$470,600
Population
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County)
3,102
Marina del Rey
8,844

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $1,440
Marina del Rey $2,031
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $1,630
Marina del Rey $2,272
28% cheaper
2 Bed
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $2,070
Marina del Rey $2,835
27% cheaper
3 Bed
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $2,650
Marina del Rey $3,599
26% cheaper
4 Bed
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $2,920
Marina del Rey $4,010
27% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $3.22
Marina del Rey $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $2.62
Marina del Rey $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $4.22
Marina del Rey $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $1.94
Marina del Rey $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $4.35
Marina del Rey $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Cottonwood CDP (Kern County) $0.28
Marina del Rey $0.27
US $0.19