Mission Viejo, CA vs Palm Desert, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Palm Desert has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Mission Viejo | Palm Desert | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 202 | 123 | Palm Desert |
| Housing | 272 ($1,899) | 141 ($1,202) | Palm Desert |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Mission Viejo |
| Food & groceries | 182 ($746) | 106 ($435) | Palm Desert |
| Utilities | 186 ($490) | 121 ($254) | Palm Desert |
| Healthcare | 186 ($354) | 121 ($183) | Palm Desert |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mission Viejo, CA or Palm Desert, CA cheaper to live in?
Palm Desert, CA is cheaper overall by about 79 index points (Mission Viejo, CA: 202, Palm Desert, CA: 123; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Mission Viejo, CA vs Palm Desert, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $70,700/year in Mission Viejo, CA and $43,050/year in Palm Desert, CA to cover basic living costs.