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Stevenson Ranch, CA vs Taft, CA

209
Stevenson Ranch
California
VS
+143.1%
86
Taft
California

The cost of living difference between Stevenson Ranch, CA and Taft, CA is dramatic. Taft is 143.1% cheaper than Stevenson Ranch, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Stevenson Ranch has a cost index of 209 while Taft sits at 86, 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 Stevenson Ranch is $2,777/month compared to $989/month in Taft — a 181% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Taft is more affordable at $246,400 median vs $1,033,300.

Median household income in Stevenson Ranch is $146,404 compared to $64,479 in Taft (+127.1%). The higher salaries in Stevenson Ranch partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Stevenson Ranch spend roughly 22.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Taft.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.6°F vs 66.2°F). Stevenson Ranch receives more rainfall at 13.4" per year compared to 6.4" in Taft.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Stevenson Ranch
209
Taft
86
59% cheaper
Median Household Income
Stevenson Ranch
$146,404
56% higher
Taft
$64,479

Housing

Median Rent
Stevenson Ranch
$2,777
Taft
$989
64% cheaper
Median Home Value
Stevenson Ranch
$1,033,300
Taft
$246,400
76% cheaper
Population
Stevenson Ranch
21,317
Taft
7,228

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Stevenson Ranch $2,031
Taft $1,440
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Stevenson Ranch $2,272
Taft $1,630
28% cheaper
2 Bed
Stevenson Ranch $2,835
Taft $2,070
27% cheaper
3 Bed
Stevenson Ranch $3,599
Taft $2,650
26% cheaper
4 Bed
Stevenson Ranch $4,010
Taft $2,920
27% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Stevenson Ranch $3.28
Taft $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Stevenson Ranch $2.68
Taft $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Stevenson Ranch $4.31
Taft $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Stevenson Ranch $1.98
Taft $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Stevenson Ranch $4.44
Taft $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
Stevenson Ranch $0.27
Taft $0.28
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Stevenson Ranch 66.6°F
Taft 66.2°F
Summer High
Stevenson Ranch 91°F
Taft 98°F
Winter Low
Stevenson Ranch 46°F
Taft 41°F
Rainfall
Stevenson Ranch 13.4"
Taft 6.4"
Rainy Days
Stevenson Ranch 34d
Taft 38d