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San Dimas, CA vs Vacaville, CA

170
San Dimas
California
VS
+9.8%
155
Vacaville
California

Vacaville is moderately more affordable than San Dimas, with a 9.8% lower cost of living index. San Dimas scores 170 compared to 155 for Vacaville, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of San Dimas can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in San Dimas is $2,232/month compared to $2,227/month in Vacaville — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Vacaville is more affordable at $596,700 median vs $756,200.

Median household income in San Dimas is $105,833 compared to $108,580 in Vacaville (-2.5%). Vacaville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of San Dimas spend roughly 25.3% of their income on rent, more than the 24.6% in Vacaville.

Climate-wise, San Dimas is notably warmer with an average of 66.8°F compared to 62.1°F in Vacaville. Vacaville receives more rainfall at 24.8" per year compared to 11.6" in San Dimas.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
San Dimas
170
Vacaville
155
9% cheaper
Median Household Income
San Dimas
$105,833
Vacaville
$108,580
3% higher

Housing

Median Rent
San Dimas
$2,232
Vacaville
$2,227
Median Home Value
San Dimas
$756,200
Vacaville
$596,700
21% cheaper
Population
San Dimas
34,099
Vacaville
102,085

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
San Dimas $2,031
Vacaville $1,130
44% cheaper
1 Bed
San Dimas $2,272
Vacaville $1,240
45% cheaper
2 Bed
San Dimas $2,835
Vacaville $1,580
44% cheaper
3 Bed
San Dimas $3,599
Vacaville $2,110
41% cheaper
4 Bed
San Dimas $4,010
Vacaville $2,390
40% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
San Dimas $3.28
Vacaville $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
San Dimas $2.68
Vacaville $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
San Dimas $4.31
Vacaville $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
San Dimas $1.98
Vacaville $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
San Dimas $4.44
Vacaville $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
San Dimas $0.27
Vacaville $0.26
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
San Dimas 66.8°F
Vacaville 62.1°F
Summer High
San Dimas 94°F
Vacaville 95°F
Winter Low
San Dimas 45°F
Vacaville 38°F
Rainfall
San Dimas 11.6"
Vacaville 24.8"
Rainy Days
San Dimas 36d
Vacaville 61d