Home / Compare / Fort Irwin vs Wasco

Fort Irwin, CA vs Wasco, CA

111
Fort Irwin
California
VS
+28.4%
87
Wasco
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wasco is 28.4% cheaper than Fort Irwin. With a cost index of 87 vs 111, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wasco to Fort Irwin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

Renters will find that Fort Irwin has a median rent of $1,601/month while Wasco comes in at $991/month, a 62% difference.

Median household income in Fort Irwin is $66,964 compared to $55,521 in Wasco (+20.6%). The higher salaries in Fort Irwin partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Irwin spend roughly 28.7% of their income on rent, more than the 21.4% in Wasco.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (68°F vs 66.2°F). Wasco receives more rainfall at 6.4" per year compared to 3.8" in Fort Irwin.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Fort Irwin
111
Wasco
87
22% cheaper
Median Household Income
Fort Irwin
$66,964
17% higher
Wasco
$55,521

Housing

Median Rent
Fort Irwin
$1,601
Wasco
$991
38% cheaper
Median Home Value
Fort Irwin
Wasco
$251,900
Population
Fort Irwin
8,791
Wasco
26,222

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Formula:

Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Fort Irwin $2,020
Wasco $1,440
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Fort Irwin $2,148
Wasco $1,630
24% cheaper
2 Bed
Fort Irwin $2,675
Wasco $2,070
23% cheaper
3 Bed
Fort Irwin $3,520
Wasco $2,650
25% cheaper
4 Bed
Fort Irwin $4,178
Wasco $2,920
30% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Fort Irwin $3.13
Wasco $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Fort Irwin $2.55
Wasco $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Fort Irwin $4.11
Wasco $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Fort Irwin $1.89
Wasco $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Fort Irwin $4.22
Wasco $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
Fort Irwin $0.31
Wasco $0.28
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Fort Irwin 68°F
Wasco 66.2°F
Summer High
Fort Irwin 105°F
Wasco 98°F
Winter Low
Fort Irwin 36°F
Wasco 41°F
Rainfall
Fort Irwin 3.8"
Wasco 6.4"
Rainy Days
Fort Irwin 22d
Wasco 38d