Colton, CA vs. Murrieta, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Colton vs Murrieta. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Colton vs Murrieta in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Colton and Murrieta compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Colton | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,550 | $1,800 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Colton
Housing costs in Colton are about 15-20% lower on average compared to Murrieta. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Colton saves around $250 per month, while buying a typical 3-bedroom home is roughly $100,000 cheaper.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another key monthly expense in Colton and Murrieta. Both cities have fairly mild climates, but summers can get quite hot, driving up AC usage.
In Colton, expect to pay around $180 per month for basic utilities in a 2BR apartment. Murrieta runs slightly higher at about $200 monthly due to the larger average home size.
🏆 Winner: Colton
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday goods are fairly comparable between Colton and Murrieta. Both have easy access to major grocery chains and retailers.
Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a couple in either city. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages $15 in Colton vs $18 in Murrieta.
🏆 Winner: Colton (slightly)
4. Taxes and Fees
California has relatively high income taxes statewide, but there are some local differences to note:
- Colton’s sales tax rate is 7.75% vs 8.75% in Murrieta
- Property taxes are slightly lower in Colton (0.81% average vs 0.93% in Murrieta)
- Vehicle registration fees are identical
🏆 Winner: Colton
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Colton | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,550 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Misc/Entertainment | $250 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,440 | $2,830 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Colton is more affordable overall, Murrieta offers more space, lower density, and a quieter suburban feel. Murrieta is about 10°F cooler on average than Colton in the summer months.
Colton provides better access to major job centers and a slightly easier commute. It’s also more walkable and dense compared to spread-out Murrieta.
See a full cost of living breakdown for Colton to help with budgeting.
7. FAQ
Is Colton more affordable than Murrieta?
Yes, the cost of living in Colton is roughly 15% lower than Murrieta on average, driven primarily by cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Colton has lower rental rates, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,550 per month vs $1,800 in Murrieta.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices in Colton are about $100,000 less than in Murrieta for a comparable 3BR house.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Colton comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, with meaningfully lower housing, utility, and tax expenses. Budget-conscious households, young professionals, and commuters may prefer Colton.
However, Murrieta remains appealing for families seeking more space, top-notch schools, and a quiet suburban lifestyle. Retirees and remote workers less tied to a commute may also favor Murrieta.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your household priorities and stage of life. We recommend comparing full cost of living breakdowns for other California cities to find the ideal balance.