Graton, CA vs Matheny, CA

The cost of living difference between Graton, CA and Matheny, CA is dramatic. Matheny is 126.5% cheaper than Graton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Graton has a cost index of 197 while Matheny sits at 87, 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 $1,250/month in Matheny — a 122% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Matheny is more affordable at $167,000 median vs $911,300.

Median household income in Graton is $108,750 compared to $68,269 in Matheny (+59.3%). Graton does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Graton spend roughly 30.6% of their income on rent, more than the 22% in Matheny. The Matheny ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Matheny 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 8.1" in Matheny.