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Highgrove, CA vs Shafter, CA

127
Highgrove
California
VS
+32.8%
96
Shafter
California

The cost of living difference between Highgrove, CA and Shafter, CA is dramatic. Shafter is 32.8% cheaper than Highgrove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Highgrove has a cost index of 127 while Shafter sits at 96, 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 Highgrove is $1,338/month compared to $1,140/month in Shafter — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shafter is more affordable at $306,800 median vs $594,400.

Median household income in Highgrove is $109,657 compared to $67,989 in Shafter (+61.3%). While Highgrove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Highgrove spend roughly 14.6% of their income on rent, less than the 20.1% in Shafter.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.3°F vs 66.2°F). Highgrove receives more rainfall at 10.7" per year compared to 6.4" in Shafter.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Highgrove
127
Shafter
96
25% cheaper
Median Household Income
Highgrove
$109,657
38% higher
Shafter
$67,989

Housing

Median Rent
Highgrove
$1,338
Shafter
$1,140
15% cheaper
Median Home Value
Highgrove
$594,400
Shafter
$306,800
48% cheaper
Population
Highgrove
7,164
Shafter
20,618

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Highgrove 63.3°F
Shafter 66.2°F
Summer High
Highgrove 94°F
Shafter 98°F
Winter Low
Highgrove 37°F
Shafter 41°F
Rainfall
Highgrove 10.7"
Shafter 6.4"
Rainy Days
Highgrove 0d
Shafter 38d