Cost of Living in Palm Desert, CA
Population 51,551 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 57, Palm Desert functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $492,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. 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.
Geographically, Palm Desert is about 45 miles east of Menifee, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Menifee's $487,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Palm Desert
The median home value in Palm Desert is $491,600 — 61% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,717/month, 31% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,508/year is 7% higher 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, Palm Desert has a cost of living index of 149 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% 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 | 104 | 109 | 108 | 102 | 91 | 79 | 69 |
| Low °F | 48 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 73 | 79 | 80 | 74 | 65 | 53 | 46 |
| Precip" | 1.14 | 1.11 | 0.51 | 0.09 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.25 | 0.14 | 0.24 | 0.20 | 0.23 | 0.68 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Palm Desert, CA?
Palm Desert has a cost index of 149 (100 = national average). It is 49% above the national average.
What is average rent in Palm Desert, CA?
The median gross rent in Palm Desert is $1,717 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Palm Desert?
The median home value in Palm Desert is $491,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Palm Desert?
The median household income in Palm Desert is $79,508 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Palm Desert, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Palm Desert is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Palm Desert, CA affordable?
Palm Desert is above average in cost of living, with an index of 149 — about 49% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert 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.
Palm Desert at a Glance
- Population
- 51,551
- Median Income
- $79,508
- Home Value
- $491,600
- Median Rent
- $1,717/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 88.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs