Cost of Living in Desert Edge, CA

Population 3,642 · California · Data vintage 2023

36
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Desert Edge skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 64. Reported household income of $40,089 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Desert Edge is about 45 miles east of Moreno Valley, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 88% lower than Moreno Valley's $461,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 19
Rent 62

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Desert Edge

The median home value in Desert Edge is $56,900 — 81% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $821/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,089/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 88.9°F and lows of 62.3°F. Overall, Desert Edge has a cost of living index of 36 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$56,900
81% below avg
Median Rent
$821/mo
38% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
5.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 87.5%
Renter-occupied 12.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$821
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,435/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.1 min
14% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.4%
Carpooled
9.2%
Walked
8.2%
Work from home
20.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$40,089
46% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,259
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
27% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.3%
Labor Force Participation
32.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.4%
Graduate degree 7.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 63.7
Male median age 62
Female median age 66.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
88.9°F
Avg Low
62.3°F
Annual Precip
4.6"
40° 58° 75° 93° 110° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 7174818795104109108102917969
Low °F 485054596673798074655346
Precip" 1.141.110.510.090.020.000.250.140.240.200.230.68

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 79 — Moderate
17%
Good air days/yr
660
Max AQI recorded
98
PM2.5 days
207
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Desert Edge, CA?

Desert Edge has a cost index of 36 (100 = national average). It is 64% below the national average.

What is average rent in Desert Edge, CA?

The median gross rent in Desert Edge is $821 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Desert Edge?

The median home value in Desert Edge is $56,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Desert Edge?

The median household income in Desert Edge is $40,089 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Desert Edge, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Desert Edge is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Desert Edge, CA affordable?

Yes, Desert Edge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 36 — about 64% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Desert Edge?

Desert Edge has average high temperatures of 88.9°F and average lows of 62.3°F. Annual precipitation is 4.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Desert Edge at a Glance

Population
3,642
Median Income
$40,089
Home Value
$56,900
Median Rent
$821/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Avg High Temp
88.9°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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