Indio, CA vs Ontario, CA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Indio is 19.4% cheaper than Ontario. With a cost index of 115 vs 142, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Indio to Ontario should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Indio is $1,392/month compared to $1,916/month in Ontario — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Indio is more affordable at $424,700 median vs $568,000.
Median household income in Indio is $78,709 compared to $82,806 in Ontario (-4.9%). Ontario 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 Indio spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Ontario.
Climate-wise, Indio is notably warmer with an average of 72.5°F compared to 66.8°F in Ontario. Ontario receives more rainfall at 11.6" per year compared to 3" in Indio.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)