Cost of Living in Palmdale, CA
Population 165,487 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
A 44-minute average commute puts Palmdale squarely in exurban territory — the kind of place where many households optimize for housing cost over proximity to work. Home values of $435,000 reflect that spatial discount. At 7.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Palmdale
The median home value in Palmdale is $435,300 — 43% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,736/month, 32% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,151/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, 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 77.2°F and lows of 48.1°F. Overall, Palmdale has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% 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 | 59 | 62 | 68 | 73 | 82 | 91 | 98 | 98 | 92 | 80 | 67 | 58 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 60 | 67 | 66 | 59 | 49 | 38 | 32 |
| Precip" | 0.98 | 1.49 | 0.87 | 0.26 | 0.13 | 0.02 | 0.11 | 0.03 | 0.16 | 0.47 | 0.36 | 1.02 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Palmdale, CA?
Palmdale has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.
What is average rent in Palmdale, CA?
The median gross rent in Palmdale is $1,736 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Palmdale?
The median home value in Palmdale is $435,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Palmdale?
The median household income in Palmdale is $81,151 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Palmdale, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Palmdale is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Palmdale, CA affordable?
Palmdale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Palmdale?
Palmdale has average high temperatures of 77.2°F and average lows of 48.1°F. Annual precipitation is 5.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Palmdale at a Glance
- Population
- 165,487
- Median Income
- $81,151
- Home Value
- $435,300
- Median Rent
- $1,736/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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