Cost of Living in Palm Desert, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,042 (excluding rent), and $3,221 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,645 (excluding rent), and $5,616 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.24 $18.24

$15.20 $15.20

$40.53 $40.53

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$81.5 $81.5

$50.9 $50.9

$102 $102

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.37 $11.37

$10.88 $10.88

$19.78 $19.78

Cappuccino

$5.06 $5.06

$3.50 $3.50

$6.80 $6.80

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.65 $3.65

$3.07 $3.07

$4.09 $4.09

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.24 $2.24

$1.99 $1.99

$3.48 $3.48

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.37 $7.37

$6.10 $6.10

$11.18 $11.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.87 $7.87

$5.90 $5.90

$11.80 $11.80

Milk (1 liter)

$1.11 $1.11

$0.94 $0.94

$1.29 $1.29

White Bread (500g)

$4.16 $4.16

$3.06 $3.06

$5.46 $5.46

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.56 $4.56

$3.23 $3.23

$8.59 $8.59

Eggs

$3.75 $3.75

$2.94 $2.94

$4.92 $4.92

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.93 $10.93

$5.46 $5.46

$21.86 $21.86

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$16.45 $16.45

$11.20 $11.20

$26.89 $26.89

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.69 $15.69

$10.09 $10.09

$33.63 $33.63

Apples (1kg)

$4.55 $4.55

$3.25 $3.25

$8.96 $8.96

Banana (1kg)

$1.54 $1.54

$2.68 $2.68

Oranges (1kg)

$4.91 $4.91

$2.81 $2.81

$8.74 $8.74

Tomato (1kg)

$5.73 $5.73

$2.21 $2.21

$8.95 $8.95

Potato (1kg)

$3.29 $3.29

$1.55 $1.55

$6.76 $6.76

Onion (1kg)

$2.95 $2.95

$1.77 $1.77

$6.72 $6.72

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.01 $2.01

$0.97 $0.97

$3.91 $3.91

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.17 $2.17

$1.52 $1.52

$3.13 $3.13

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.78 $10.78

$6.86 $6.86

$12.30 $12.30

Wine (Bottle)

$14.98 $14.98

$8.99 $8.99

$23.97 $23.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.75 $1.75

$3.62 $3.62

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.53 $3.53

$1.77 $1.77

$8.07 $8.07

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.22 $1.22

$1.95 $1.95

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.58 $6.58

$6.21 $6.21

$6.95 $6.95

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.08 $2.08

$3.79 $3.79

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.74 $29.74

$26.90 $26.90

$35.66 $35.66

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.14 $1.14

$1.48 $1.48

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$24.3K $24.3K

$37.4K $37.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$29.2K $29.2K

$27.2K $27.2K

$35.4K $35.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$160 $160

$140 $140

$188 $188

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.8 $54.8

$35.55 $35.55

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.5 $59.5

$50.8 $50.8

$81.3 $81.3

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.21 $42.21

$17.18 $17.18

$49.09 $49.09

Cinema Ticket

$12.76 $12.76

$17.67 $17.67

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,507 $1,507

$1,206 $1,206

$1,809 $1,809

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.3K $23.3K

$16.7K $16.7K

$27.0K $27.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.74 $46.74

$24.60 $24.60

$64.0 $64.0

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$29.65 $29.65

$23.72 $23.72

$98.9 $98.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$60.7 $60.7

$152 $152

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$60.4 $60.4

$161 $161

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,509 $2,509

$1,204 $1,204

$2,509 $2,509

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,008 $2,008

$1,004 $1,004

$2,008 $2,008

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,136 $3,136

$2,788 $2,788

$3,484 $3,484

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,954 $2,954

$1,674 $1,674

$2,954 $2,954

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,408 $4,408

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.64

6.19

7.25

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 11, 2026

Palm Desert, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

130

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

360

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Palm Desert, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Palm Desert, CA, United States marks a clear reference point for how you compare value across destinations. Palm Desert blends resort convenience with approachable living options. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, you’ll notice a cushion of high-end amenities tempered by quieter residential areas. Variation by neighborhood and season means winter can bring more options and higher occupancy. What stands out is the value you get from long-term stays, access to services, and a strong local sense of community. Compare neighborhoods: the core city offers walkable dining and services, while nearby districts bring quieter streets and larger yards. Tip: look for longer-term rentals and negotiate renewal terms to maximize value.

Daily life in Palm Desert centers on a car-friendly routine and clear seasonal rhythms. When you search for housing, consider rental networks in central neighborhoods near El Paseo for walkability or quieter suburban pockets with larger yards. Grocery shopping spans neighborhood markets, organic shops, and familiar chains; farmers markets peak in winter. For getting around, a car is simplest, with ride-hailing and limited bus routes available. Co-working spaces and cafés offer reliable work options for digital nomads. Palm Desert, CA, United States living cost varies by season and proximity to amenities, so plan ahead. Tip: schedule longer visits to test commute times.

Quality of life in Palm Desert shines when you balance outdoor time with practical routines. Build a budgeting framework around housing, utilities, and seasonally variable costs like indoor activities in hot months. Choose neighborhoods that match your pace – compact downtown areas for social life, or larger residential zones for quiet workdays and family time. Seasonal crowding affects parking, service availability, and longer wait times at popular spots, so plan off-peak visits. Tip: map a mixed-use route that keeps errands within one or two neighborhoods to save time and fuel.