El Rio, CA vs Phelan, CA
The cost of living difference between El Rio, CA and Phelan, CA is dramatic. Phelan is 34.9% cheaper than El Rio, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. El Rio has a cost index of 157 while Phelan sits at 116, 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 El Rio is $2,122/month compared to $1,623/month in Phelan — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Phelan is more affordable at $357,200 median vs $639,600.
Median household income in El Rio is $83,233 compared to $83,759 in Phelan (-0.6%). Phelan offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of El Rio spend roughly 30.6% of their income on rent, more than the 23.3% in Phelan. The Phelan ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.
Climate-wise, Phelan is notably warmer with an average of 66.8°F compared to 61.2°F in El Rio. El Rio receives more rainfall at 12.9" per year compared to 11.6" in Phelan.
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Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)