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Montebello, CA vs Palmdale, CA

148
Montebello
California
VS
+15.2%
129
Palmdale
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Palmdale is 15.2% cheaper than Montebello. With a cost index of 129 vs 148, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Palmdale to Montebello should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Montebello is $1,771/month compared to $1,736/month in Palmdale — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Palmdale is more affordable at $435,300 median vs $660,700.

Median household income in Montebello is $74,955 compared to $81,151 in Palmdale (-7.6%). Palmdale offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Montebello spend roughly 28.4% of their income on rent, more than the 25.7% in Palmdale.

Climate-wise, Montebello is notably warmer with an average of 65.8°F compared to 62.6°F in Palmdale. Montebello receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 5.9" in Palmdale.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Montebello
148
Palmdale
129
13% cheaper
Median Household Income
Montebello
$74,955
Palmdale
$81,151
8% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Montebello
$1,771
Palmdale
$1,736
2% cheaper
Median Home Value
Montebello
$660,700
Palmdale
$435,300
34% cheaper
Population
Montebello
61,376
Palmdale
165,487

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Montebello $2,031
Palmdale $2,031
1 Bed
Montebello $2,272
Palmdale $2,272
2 Bed
Montebello $2,835
Palmdale $2,835
3 Bed
Montebello $3,599
Palmdale $3,599
4 Bed
Montebello $4,010
Palmdale $4,010

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Montebello $3.28
Palmdale $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Montebello $2.68
Palmdale $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Montebello $4.31
Palmdale $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Montebello $1.98
Palmdale $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Montebello $4.44
Palmdale $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Montebello $0.27
Palmdale $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Montebello 65.8°F
Palmdale 62.6°F
Summer High
Montebello 82°F
Palmdale 98°F
Winter Low
Montebello 49°F
Palmdale 33°F
Rainfall
Montebello 14.3"
Palmdale 5.9"
Rainy Days
Montebello 34d
Palmdale 27d