Dunsmuir, CA vs Phoenix Lake, CA
The cost of living difference between Dunsmuir, CA and Phoenix Lake, CA is dramatic. Dunsmuir is 32.3% cheaper than Phoenix Lake, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dunsmuir has a cost index of 87 while Phoenix Lake sits at 128, 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 Dunsmuir is $953/month compared to $1,724/month in Phoenix Lake — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dunsmuir is more affordable at $262,800 median vs $455,000.
Median household income in Dunsmuir is $47,708 compared to $78,750 in Phoenix Lake (-39.4%). While Phoenix Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dunsmuir spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, less than the 26.3% in Phoenix Lake.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.3°F vs 49.5°F). Phoenix Lake receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 37.6" in Dunsmuir.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)