Cost of Living in Palm Springs, CA
Population 44,998 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$567,000 is the going rate for a typical Palm Springs home, 86% over the national median. Rents of $1,473/month track the same premium. At 8.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 40 miles east of Menifee, Palm Springs falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 16% higher than Menifee's $487,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Palm Springs
The median home value in Palm Springs is $567,300 — 86% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,473/month, 12% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,979/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, 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 Springs has a cost of living index of 156 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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 Springs, CA?
Palm Springs has a cost index of 156 (100 = national average). It is 56% above the national average.
What is average rent in Palm Springs, CA?
The median gross rent in Palm Springs is $1,473 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Palm Springs?
The median home value in Palm Springs is $567,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Palm Springs?
The median household income in Palm Springs is $71,979 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Palm Springs, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Palm Springs is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Palm Springs, CA affordable?
Palm Springs is above average in cost of living, with an index of 156 — about 56% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs 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 Springs at a Glance
- Population
- 44,998
- Median Income
- $71,979
- Home Value
- $567,300
- Median Rent
- $1,473/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 88.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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