Cost of Living: Ontario, CA vs Salinas, CA (2026)

Ontario

California
152
VS

Salinas

California
156

Ontario is 3% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,916/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ≈ Same
$82,806/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 8%
$568,000 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 8%
$1,967/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↓ 3%
178,347
Population
161,993

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,344/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Salinas — common questions

Is Ontario or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Salinas?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Salinas?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $6,344/year higher in Salinas.
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 Ontario or Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ontario details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Salinas

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson