Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Elk Grove is 4% cheaper than Murrieta.

$2,180/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 7%
$122,229/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 10%
$603,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$606,900 ≈ Same
$2,227/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 7%
177,221
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $12,449/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Murrieta?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Murrieta?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $12,449/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Murrieta

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett