Cost of Living in La Quinta, CA
Population 38,299 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in La Quinta run well above the national baseline, with a median of $613,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $97,628 place the city among the better-paid California metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 50 miles east of Temecula, La Quinta is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Temecula's $640,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in La Quinta
The median home value in La Quinta is $612,800 — 101% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,747/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,628/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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 88.7°F and lows of 56.3°F. Overall, La Quinta has a cost of living index of 174 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 74% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 71 | 74 | 81 | 87 | 95 | 103 | 107 | 106 | 102 | 91 | 79 | 69 |
| Low °F | 39 | 43 | 49 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 76 | 75 | 68 | 57 | 45 | 38 |
| Precip" | 0.64 | 0.61 | 0.34 | 0.08 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.13 | 0.12 | 0.32 | 0.19 | 0.17 | 0.34 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in La Quinta, CA?
La Quinta has a cost index of 174 (100 = national average). It is 74% above the national average.
What is average rent in La Quinta, CA?
The median gross rent in La Quinta is $1,747 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in La Quinta?
The median home value in La Quinta is $612,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in La Quinta?
The median household income in La Quinta is $97,628 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in La Quinta, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Quinta is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is La Quinta, CA affordable?
La Quinta is above average in cost of living, with an index of 174 — about 74% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in La Quinta?
La Quinta 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.
La Quinta at a Glance
- Population
- 38,299
- Median Income
- $97,628
- Home Value
- $612,800
- Median Rent
- $1,747/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 88.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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