Desert Hot Springs, CA

Average · 96

California · Population 32,786 · Updated March 2026

$1,339
Median Rent / Month
$50,349
Median Income
$309,300
Median Home Value
$1,356
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Desert Hot Springs

31.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$16,068
Annual Rent
$6,696
State Income Tax
$2,196
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Desert Hot Springs has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 96 (where 100 equals the national median), Desert Hot Springs residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,339/month while earning a median household income of $50,349/year.

The median home value in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $309,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,356 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 31.9% rent-to-income ratio, residents of Desert Hot Springs are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Desert Hot Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Desert Hot Springs

What is the cost of living in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The cost of living index in Desert Hot Springs, CA is 96 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,339, median household income is $50,349/year, and the median home value is $309,300.
Is Desert Hot Springs, CA affordable?
Yes, Desert Hot Springs is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 96. The rent-to-income ratio is 31.9%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Desert Hot Springs, CA?
The median gross rent in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $1,339 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,068.
What is the median household income in Desert Hot Springs?
The median household income in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $50,349 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.