Cost of Living in Indian Wells, CA

Population 4,830 · California · Data vintage 2023

228
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Indian Wells sits 229% above the national median — $1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $145,313 (95% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Geographically, Indian Wells is about 50 miles east of Temecula, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than Temecula's $640,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 329
Rent 78

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

About the Cost of Living in Indian Wells

The median home value in Indian Wells is $1,002,200 — 229% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,029/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $145,313/year is 95% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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 88.7°F and lows of 56.3°F. Overall, Indian Wells has a cost of living index of 228 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 128% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,002,200
229% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$270,390
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,029/mo
22% below avg
Zillow Rent
$5,000/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
81.2x
Favors renting
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 77.3%
Renter-occupied 22.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,029
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,643/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
21.6 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.4%
Carpooled
1.6%
Walked
9.0%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
28.7%

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
$145,313
95% above avg
Per Capita Income
$142,360
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
21% above avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Labor Force Participation
39.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.1%
Graduate degree 29.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 67.5
Male median age 67.9
Female median age 67.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
88.7°F
Avg Low
56.3°F
Annual Precip
3"
Annual Snowfall
0"
30° 50° 70° 90° 110° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 7174818795103107106102917969
Low °F 394349556369767568574538
Precip" 0.640.610.340.080.010.010.130.120.320.190.170.34

💨 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 Indian Wells, CA?

Indian Wells has a cost index of 228 (100 = national average). It is 128% above the national average.

What is average rent in Indian Wells, CA?

The median gross rent in Indian Wells is $1,029 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Indian Wells?

The median home value in Indian Wells is $1,002,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Indian Wells?

The median household income in Indian Wells is $145,313 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Indian Wells, CA?

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

Is Indian Wells, CA affordable?

Indian Wells is above average in cost of living, with an index of 228 — about 128% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Indian Wells?

Indian Wells has average high temperatures of 88.7°F and average lows of 56.3°F. Annual precipitation is 3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Indian Wells at a Glance

Population
4,830
Median Income
$145,313
Home Value
$1,002,200
Median Rent
$1,029/mo
Unemployment
5.8%
Avg High Temp
88.7°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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