East San Gabriel Valley, CA vs Central Contra Costa, CA
East San Gabriel Valley and Central Contra Costa, both located in California, offer unique living experiences influenced by their cultures, economies, and geographic locations. East San Gabriel Valley is known for its diversity, warm-weather, and affordable living, while Central Contra Costa is more affluent and comfortable. Here's a comparative analysis of these two places looking at aspects like crime, weather, cost of living, education, and more, to help potential residents or tourists make an informed decision about either destination.
East San Gabriel Valley's crime rate is slightly above the national average, but it varies among neighborhoods. Areas like Rowland Heights and West Covina are considered safer. Meanwhile, Central Contra Costa has lower levels of crime but also varies by locality, with Orinda and Moraga being among the safest. Both places prioritize safe, family-friendly environments, and respective local law enforcement agencies are vigilant in maintaining security.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in East San Gabriel Valley is lower as compared to Central Contra Costa, which is known for its affluent neighborhoods. Everything, including real estate, groceries, and healthcare, tends to be pricier in Central Contra Costa. However, higher-income levels in Central Contra Costa can offset these high costs.
Income Tax
Residents in both regions are subject to California's progressive income tax, which ranges from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income level.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate in East San Gabriel Valley is about 1.16%, while in Central Contra Costa is slightly higher at 1.18%.
Sales Tax
Both regions are subjected to California's state sales tax of 7.25%, but local taxes vary. East San Gabriel Valley has a combined sales tax rate of 9.5%, while Central Contra Costa has a combined rate of 8.25%.
Income
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$95,242
$127,452
Estimated per capita income
$34,474
$68,702
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
150.2
139.1
If you make $50,000 in Central Contra Costa, you will have to make $53,990 in East San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
East San Gabriel Valley is in the inland area, characterized by valley landscapes and mountains towards the north. Central Contra Costa is hilly, with a mix of urban, suburban, and semi-rural areas. It also offers access to water bodies like the San Pablo Bay.
Geographical information
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Land area
212.6 sq. miles
261.3 sq. miles
Population density
4,478.5 people per sq. mile
1,863.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
East San Gabriel Valley, CA Central Contra Costa, CA
Education
Both regions have good school systems. East San Gabriel Valley boasts well-regarded schools like Diamond Bar High School, while in Central Contra Costa, Acalanes High School consistently ranks among the best in the state. There are also several quality private schools and renowned universities within commuting distance in both regions.
East San Gabriel Valley's economy is diverse, with significant sectors like healthcare, education, and retail. Central Contra Costa has a similarly diverse economy, with bigger sectors including healthcare, professional services, and the public sector. Overall, Central Contra Costa has a higher median household income.
Biggest Employers
In East San Gabriel Valley, the biggest employers are healthcare providers like Citrus Valley Medical Center and schools like Mt. San Antonio College. In Central Contra Costa, John Muir Health and AT&T, along with several school districts, provide many local jobs.
In East San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Central Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
2020
71.0%
71.8%
26.9%
26.4%
2.1%
1.8%
2016
72.0%
67.5%
22.5%
24.5%
5.5%
8.0%
2012
69.7%
66.2%
27.8%
31.1%
2.4%
2.7%
2008
69.2%
68.0%
28.8%
30.2%
1.9%
1.8%
2004
63.3%
62.6%
35.7%
36.7%
1.0%
0.7%
2000
63.6%
59.0%
32.4%
37.2%
4.0%
3.8%
1996
59.3%
55.7%
31.0%
35.2%
9.7%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
36.1%
21.8%
4.7%
5.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.3%
9.0%
10.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.0%
1.0%
1.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.3%
3.1%
2.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
2.4%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.4%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.5%
1.9%
2.0%
Weather
Both East San Gabriel Valley and Central Contra Costa enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, East San Gabriel Valley is generally hotter, with summers often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Central Contra Costa, particularly cities closer to the coast, is a bit cooler, offering a more comfortable summer heat.
Weather and climate
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
62.7°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
64.7%
82.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
19.6%
29.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
70.7%
88.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
58.8%
Precipitation - Yearly average
19.1 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
28.3%
27.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
73.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
22.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
77.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
54.7%
Wind speed - Average
3.7 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in East San Gabriel Valley, California
Average climate in Central Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
2018
143
105
0.36
0.32
14.1
6.9
29.2
22.1
0.007
0.012
29.6
N/A
13.4
13.3
0.3
0.6
2017
150
102
0.35
0.30
14.8
7.0
30.5
25.9
0.007
0.008
32.7
N/A
12.6
11.9
0.3
0.7
2016
141
86
0.31
0.28
15.5
6.5
29.3
25.2
0.007
0.005
30.3
N/A
12.0
6.5
0.3
0.8
2015
145
94
0.30
0.34
15.2
7.6
30.4
25.8
0.007
0.004
30.0
N/A
14.6
8.8
0.2
0.5
2014
142
95
0.32
0.35
16.8
7.8
29.7
25.2
0.008
0.005
33.6
N/A
11.7
6.9
0.3
0.5
2013
147
93
0.33
0.34
17.0
9.3
27.7
21.5
0.007
0.004
31.5
N/A
11.5
7.8
0.4
0.5
2012
149
93
0.39
0.32
18.3
8.5
27.5
25.2
0.005
0.003
30.9
N/A
15.6
8.3
0.6
0.3
2011
149
99
0.40
0.35
18.6
9.0
26.7
23.0
0.008
0.003
30.3
N/A
17.3
9.8
0.5
0.6
2010
139
93
0.44
0.31
19.3
8.6
26.8
23.2
N/A
0.014
26.6
N/A
14.8
8.5
0.4
0.5
2009
156
104
0.40
0.31
21.0
9.5
28.0
23.7
0.010
0.006
26.0
N/A
16.5
10.3
0.6
0.6
2008
156
120
0.48
0.36
22.7
10.2
27.7
26.1
0.012
0.006
27.0
N/A
15.1
12.1
1.0
0.8
2007
135
104
0.52
0.36
25.3
10.7
24.8
24.1
0.014
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
1.3
0.7
2006
128
109
0.55
0.39
25.1
10.9
24.0
26.0
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
1.9
0.8
2005
127
104
0.59
0.43
25.7
11.6
22.8
22.7
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
1.9
1.0
2004
132
112
0.68
0.46
25.4
12.4
24.6
22.6
0.016
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
1.7
1.1
2003
137
84
0.80
0.51
29.9
13.4
24.7
23.1
0.021
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.7
2002
134
88
0.83
0.51
31.4
14.7
23.1
23.3
0.021
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
0.9
2001
141
90
1.00
0.56
31.8
15.4
21.4
22.1
0.029
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
1.2
2000
150
95
1.05
0.67
34.7
15.9
20.7
20.8
0.027
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.5%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,292.4%
7,786.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
18%
Transportation
Both East San Gabriel Valley and Central Contra Costa have solid public transportation systems. East San Gabriel has an extensive bus network and metro rail connections, while Central Contra Costa supports BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), buses, and ferries. Both are well-connected via highways for car commuters.
Transport
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Bicycle
0.6%
0.5%
Bus
2.9%
1%
Carpooled
17.1%
9.9%
Car alone
73.3%
72.3%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0.6%
0.8%
Subway
0.1%
7.7%
Walked
2.2%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Average
32.3 min
31.8 min
Real Estate
Real estate in East San Gabriel Valley is more affordable than in Central Contra Costa. Central Contra Costa is known for its more upscale housing options, while East San Gabriel Valley provides a mix of affordable and mid-price housing.
Neighborhoods
East San Gabriel Valley and Central Contra Costa have diverse neighborhoods. East San Gabriel Valley features neighborhoods like Diamond Bar and West Covina, known for their affordable housing and cultural diversity. In Central Contra Costa, neighborhoods like Orinda and Walnut Creek are known for their affluence, safety, and upscale amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
Houses
270,240
183,777
Average household size (people)
3.5
2.5
Houses occupied
263,338 (97.4%)
179,136 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
180,683 (68.6%)
127,889 (71.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
82,655 (31.4%)
51,247 (28.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,935
$2,527
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,138,428
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
$643,048
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.5
Renting percentage
32.3%
30.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,270.8
703.4
Household income disparities
40.3%
35.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
26,635 (16.4%)
20,208 (18.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
515 (0.3%)
418 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
136,243 (83.6%)
90,899 (81.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
11,429 (7%)
13,612 (12.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
21,150 (13%)
13,614 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
One, detached
68.5%
62.1%
One, attached
8.2%
10.2%
Two
1.0%
1.2%
3 or 4
3.9%
4.8%
5 to 9
3.0%
5.2%
10 to 19
2.4%
3.7%
20 to 49
2.8%
4.3%
50 or more
6.5%
7.2%
Mobile homes
3.6%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,753
22,217
State government workers
13,845
6,705
Unpaid family workers
1,494
617
Industries and Occupations
Healthcare and education are top industries in East San Gabriel Valley with many residents working in these sectors. Central Contra Costa hosts many professional service businesses, including finance and insurance firms. High-paying occupations are more common in Central Contra Costa.
Both regions have robust healthcare facilities. East San Gabriel is home to facilities like Citrus Valley Health Partners, while Central Contra Costa residents can access John Muir Health and several other clinics and hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in both places is well-developed, with good access to utilities, public parks, and roadways. Central Contra Costa, with its wealthier populace, features upscale shopping centers and recreational facilities. East San Gabriel Valley, on the other hand, has seen steady development, especially in the commercial and retail sectors.
Infrastructure
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Central Contra Costa
TV stations
24
24
Culture and Food
East San Gabriel Valley, known for its cultural diversity, offers a range of ethnic cuisines, especially notable for its Asian food. Central Contra Costa also boasts a vibrant food scene, with upscale dining options, farmers markets, and wineries.
Sports Teams
Neither East San Gabriel Valley nor Central Contra Costa hosts major professional sports teams. However, residents typically support Los Angeles teams in East San Gabriel, and San Francisco Bay Area teams in Central Contra Costa.
East San Gabriel Valley, CA
Central Contra Costa, CA
East San Gabriel Valley, CA and 
Central Contra Costa, CA : 354.0 miles
