Hayfork, CA vs Rio del Mar, CA

The cost of living difference between Hayfork, CA and Rio del Mar, CA is dramatic. Hayfork is 63.5% cheaper than Rio del Mar, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hayfork has a cost index of 87 while Rio del Mar sits at 238, 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 Hayfork is $808/month compared to $3,172/month in Rio del Mar — a 75% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hayfork is more affordable at $291,300 median vs $1,242,600.

Median household income in Hayfork is $45,918 compared to $150,313 in Rio del Mar (-69.5%). While Rio del Mar is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hayfork spend roughly 21.1% of their income on rent, less than the 25.3% in Rio del Mar.

Climate-wise, Hayfork is notably warmer with an average of 60.4°F compared to 57.2°F in Rio del Mar. Hayfork receives more rainfall at 47.1" per year compared to 22.4" in Rio del Mar.