Ontario, CA vs Walnut Creek, CA

The cost of living difference between Ontario, CA and Walnut Creek, CA is dramatic. Ontario is 30.6% cheaper than Walnut Creek, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ontario has a cost index of 142 while Walnut Creek sits at 205, 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 Ontario is $1,916/month compared to $2,613/month in Walnut Creek — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ontario is more affordable at $568,000 median vs $1,031,100.

Median household income in Ontario is $82,806 compared to $135,665 in Walnut Creek (-39%). While Walnut Creek is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ontario spend roughly 27.8% of their income on rent, more than the 23.1% in Walnut Creek.

Climate-wise, Ontario is notably warmer with an average of 66.8°F compared to 62°F in Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek receives more rainfall at 16.1" per year compared to 11.6" in Ontario.