Home / Compare / Salton City vs South San Jose Hills

Salton City, CA vs South San Jose Hills, CA

92
Salton City
California
VS
-34.1%
140
South San Jose Hills
California

The cost of living difference between Salton City, CA and South San Jose Hills, CA is dramatic. Salton City is 34.1% cheaper than South San Jose Hills, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Salton City has a cost index of 92 while South San Jose Hills sits at 140, 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 Salton City is $1,295/month compared to $1,840/month in South San Jose Hills — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salton City is more affordable at $189,800 median vs $540,400.

Median household income in Salton City is $36,915 compared to $94,740 in South San Jose Hills (-61%). While South San Jose Hills is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Salton City spend roughly 42.1% of their income on rent, more than the 23.3% in South San Jose Hills. The South San Jose Hills ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Salton City is notably warmer with an average of 72.5°F compared to 66.2°F in South San Jose Hills. South San Jose Hills receives more rainfall at 11.9" per year compared to 3" in Salton City.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Salton City
92
34% cheaper
South San Jose Hills
140
Median Household Income
Salton City
$36,915
South San Jose Hills
$94,740
61% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Salton City
$1,295
30% cheaper
South San Jose Hills
$1,840
Median Home Value
Salton City
$189,800
65% cheaper
South San Jose Hills
$540,400
Population
Salton City
6,244
South San Jose Hills
17,451

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
Salton City $2,020
South San Jose Hills $2,031
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Salton City $2,148
South San Jose Hills $2,272
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Salton City $2,675
South San Jose Hills $2,835
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Salton City $3,520
South San Jose Hills $3,599
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Salton City $4,178
South San Jose Hills $4,010
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Salton City 72.5°F
South San Jose Hills 66.2°F
Summer High
Salton City 107°F
South San Jose Hills 84°F
Winter Low
Salton City 39°F
South San Jose Hills 46°F
Rainfall
Salton City 3"
South San Jose Hills 11.9"
Rainy Days
Salton City 15d
South San Jose Hills 38d