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Folsom, CA vs Walnut, CA

165
Folsom
California
VS
-23.1%
215
Walnut
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Folsom is 23.1% cheaper than Walnut. With a cost index of 165 vs 215, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Folsom to Walnut should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Folsom is $2,279/month compared to $3,120/month in Walnut — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Folsom is more affordable at $702,200 median vs $972,500.

Median household income in Folsom is $139,263 compared to $133,762 in Walnut (+4.1%). Folsom offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Folsom spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, less than the 28% in Walnut.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.4°F vs 66.1°F). Folsom receives more rainfall at 19.2" per year compared to 10" in Walnut.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Folsom
165
23% cheaper
Walnut
215
Median Household Income
Folsom
$139,263
4% higher
Walnut
$133,762

Housing

Median Rent
Folsom
$2,279
27% cheaper
Walnut
$3,120
Median Home Value
Folsom
$702,200
28% cheaper
Walnut
$972,500
Population
Folsom
82,140
Walnut
27,857

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Folsom $1,784
Walnut $2,031
12% cheaper
1 Bed
Folsom $1,871
Walnut $2,272
18% cheaper
2 Bed
Folsom $2,305
Walnut $2,835
19% cheaper
3 Bed
Folsom $3,077
Walnut $3,599
15% cheaper
4 Bed
Folsom $3,552
Walnut $4,010
11% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Folsom $3.22
Walnut $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Folsom $2.62
Walnut $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Folsom $4.22
Walnut $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Folsom $1.94
Walnut $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Folsom $4.35
Walnut $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Folsom $0.26
Walnut $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Folsom 63.4°F
Walnut 66.1°F
Summer High
Folsom 94°F
Walnut 94°F
Winter Low
Folsom 41°F
Walnut 42°F
Rainfall
Folsom 19.2"
Walnut 10"
Rainy Days
Folsom 61d
Walnut 35d