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Mentone, CA vs Walnut, CA

114
Mentone
California
VS
-47%
215
Walnut
California

The cost of living difference between Mentone, CA and Walnut, CA is dramatic. Mentone is 47% cheaper than Walnut, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Mentone has a cost index of 114 while Walnut sits at 215, 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 Mentone is $1,390/month compared to $3,120/month in Walnut — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mentone is more affordable at $414,200 median vs $972,500.

Median household income in Mentone is $70,466 compared to $133,762 in Walnut (-47.3%). While Walnut is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mentone spend roughly 23.7% of their income on rent, less than the 28% in Walnut.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.3°F vs 66.1°F). Mentone receives more rainfall at 10.7" per year compared to 10" in Walnut.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Mentone
114
47% cheaper
Walnut
215
Median Household Income
Mentone
$70,466
Walnut
$133,762
47% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Mentone
$1,390
55% cheaper
Walnut
$3,120
Median Home Value
Mentone
$414,200
57% cheaper
Walnut
$972,500
Population
Mentone
9,487
Walnut
27,857

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Mentone $2,020
Walnut $2,031
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Mentone $2,148
Walnut $2,272
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Mentone $2,675
Walnut $2,835
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Mentone $3,520
Walnut $3,599
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Mentone $4,178
Walnut $4,010
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Mentone $3.13
Walnut $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Mentone $2.55
Walnut $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Mentone $4.11
Walnut $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Mentone $1.89
Walnut $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Mentone $4.22
Walnut $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Mentone $0.31
Walnut $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Mentone 63.3°F
Walnut 66.1°F
Summer High
Mentone 94°F
Walnut 94°F
Winter Low
Mentone 37°F
Walnut 42°F
Rainfall
Mentone 10.7"
Walnut 10"
Rainy Days
Mentone 0d
Walnut 35d