Esparto, CA vs Sierra Madre, CA
The cost of living difference between Esparto, CA and Sierra Madre, CA is dramatic. Esparto is 39.7% cheaper than Sierra Madre, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Esparto has a cost index of 120 while Sierra Madre sits at 200, 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 Esparto is $1,439/month compared to $2,086/month in Sierra Madre — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Esparto is more affordable at $469,200 median vs $1,172,200.
Median household income in Esparto is $104,706 compared to $141,094 in Sierra Madre (-25.8%). The higher salaries in Sierra Madre partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Esparto spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, less than the 17.7% in Sierra Madre.
Climate-wise, Sierra Madre is notably warmer with an average of 65.8°F compared to 62.1°F in Esparto. Esparto receives more rainfall at 24.8" per year compared to 14.3" in Sierra Madre.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)