Graton, CA vs Ione, CA

The cost of living difference between Graton, CA and Ione, CA is dramatic. Ione is 64.8% cheaper than Graton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Graton has a cost index of 197 while Ione sits at 120, 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 Graton is $2,770/month compared to $1,477/month in Ione — a 88% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ione is more affordable at $448,300 median vs $911,300.

Median household income in Graton is $108,750 compared to $78,661 in Ione (+38.3%). The higher salaries in Graton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Graton spend roughly 30.6% of their income on rent, more than the 22.5% in Ione. The Ione ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Ione is notably warmer with an average of 63.4°F compared to 58.1°F in Graton. Graton receives more rainfall at 33.8" per year compared to 19.2" in Ione.