2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Salinas, CA vs Poway, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Poway or is it cheaper to live in Salinas?
- Poway is 2.0% more expensive than Salinas.

Which city has more affordable housing, Poway or Salinas?
- Poway housing costs are 48.9% more expensive than Salinas housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Salinas or is Health Care more affordable in Poway.
- Health related expenses are 38.1% less in Poway.
 Salinas, CAPoway, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries104.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing215.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,000,800$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock121.4100
 Miscellaneous112.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 13 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  More

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Reviews for Poway    10 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Poway is a great place to live. People are friendly, neighbors watch out for each other. Great trails, beautiful views. Love to hear the birds. Family oriented. Yes  More

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Over 5 years ago

Moved here 37 years ago and love the birds singing in the morning, minimal traffic noise, and convenience to Carmel Mountain Ranch for shopping. Easy access to the  More

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I've lived here for 30 years. Back 30 years ago it was great. Small town, friendly people, etc. NOW Traffic is pretty bad but still better than most of SD county. I'm  More

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