Mentone, CA vs Ridgecrest, CA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ridgecrest is 25.1% cheaper than Mentone. With a cost index of 91 vs 114, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ridgecrest to Mentone should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Mentone is $1,390/month compared to $1,178/month in Ridgecrest — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ridgecrest is more affordable at $235,800 median vs $414,200.
Median household income in Mentone is $70,466 compared to $88,107 in Ridgecrest (-20%). Ridgecrest offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Mentone spend roughly 23.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16% in Ridgecrest.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.3°F vs 65.3°F). Mentone receives more rainfall at 10.7" per year compared to 4.7" in Ridgecrest.
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)