Palm Desert, CA vs Riverside, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Palm Desert has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Palm Desert | Riverside | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 123 | 133 | Palm Desert |
| Housing | 141 ($1,202) | 156 ($1,268) | Palm Desert |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 106 ($435) | 119 ($488) | Palm Desert |
| Utilities | 121 ($254) | 128 ($281) | Palm Desert |
| Healthcare | 121 ($183) | 128 ($203) | 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 Palm Desert, CA or Riverside, CA cheaper to live in?
Palm Desert, CA is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (Palm Desert, CA: 123, Riverside, CA: 133; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Palm Desert, CA vs Riverside, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $43,050/year in Palm Desert, CA and $46,550/year in Riverside, CA to cover basic living costs.