Cost of Living in Palm Desert, CA
Population: 51,551 • 2026 Data
$79,508
Median Household Income
+3% vs national
$1,717
Median Monthly Rent
+27% vs national
$491,600
Median Home Value
+45% vs national
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Palm Desert
The median home value in Palm Desert, CA is $491,600. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,717, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,681.
Rent-to-income ratio: 25.9%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Palm Desert, CA is $79,508. The unemployment rate stands at 6.1%, with a labor force of 22,326 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.