Home / Compare / McFarland vs Montclair

McFarland, CA vs Montclair, CA

88
McFarland
California
VS
-35%
136
Montclair
California

The cost of living difference between McFarland, CA and Montclair, CA is dramatic. McFarland is 35% cheaper than Montclair, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McFarland has a cost index of 88 while Montclair sits at 136, 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 McFarland is $1,067/month compared to $1,759/month in Montclair — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McFarland is more affordable at $245,500 median vs $549,600.

Median household income in McFarland is $51,801 compared to $76,338 in Montclair (-32.1%). The higher salaries in Montclair partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of McFarland spend roughly 24.7% of their income on rent, less than the 27.7% in Montclair.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.2°F vs 66.8°F). Montclair receives more rainfall at 11.6" per year compared to 6.4" in McFarland.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
McFarland
88
35% cheaper
Montclair
136
Median Household Income
McFarland
$51,801
Montclair
$76,338
32% higher

Housing

Median Rent
McFarland
$1,067
39% cheaper
Montclair
$1,759
Median Home Value
McFarland
$245,500
55% cheaper
Montclair
$549,600
Population
McFarland
14,138
Montclair
37,809

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
McFarland 66.2°F
Montclair 66.8°F
Summer High
McFarland 98°F
Montclair 94°F
Winter Low
McFarland 41°F
Montclair 45°F
Rainfall
McFarland 6.4"
Montclair 11.6"
Rainy Days
McFarland 38d
Montclair 36d