Highland, CA vs Mead Valley, CA
Highland, CA and Mead Valley, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.8% difference in their overall index. Highland scores 122 while Mead Valley scores 123 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Highland is $1,539/month compared to $1,673/month in Mead Valley — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Highland has cheaper rent, Mead Valley actually has lower median home values ($417,700 vs $455,200).
Median household income in Highland is $77,979 compared to $90,358 in Mead Valley (-13.7%). While Mead Valley is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Highland spend roughly 23.7% of their income on rent, more than the 22.2% in Mead Valley.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.3°F vs 63.3°F). Mead Valley receives more rainfall at 10.7" per year compared to 10.7" in Highland.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)