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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Ventura

California
183

Elk Grove is 8% cheaper than Ventura.

$2,180/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 4%
$122,229/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 18%
$603,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 29%
$2,227/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 5%
177,221
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $21,822/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Ventura — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Ventura?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Ventura?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $21,822/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Ventura

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