Kelly Ridge, CA vs Rio del Mar, CA

The cost of living difference between Kelly Ridge, CA and Rio del Mar, CA is dramatic. Kelly Ridge is 46.7% cheaper than Rio del Mar, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Kelly Ridge has a cost index of 127 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 Kelly Ridge is $2,250/month compared to $3,172/month in Rio del Mar — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kelly Ridge is more affordable at $266,300 median vs $1,242,600.

Median household income in Kelly Ridge is $56,230 compared to $150,313 in Rio del Mar (-62.6%). 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 Kelly Ridge spend roughly 48% of their income on rent, more than the 25.3% in Rio del Mar. The Rio del Mar ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Kelly Ridge is notably warmer with an average of 63.2°F compared to 57.2°F in Rio del Mar. Kelly Ridge receives more rainfall at 25.7" per year compared to 22.4" in Rio del Mar.