Palm Springs, CA

Very High · 131

California · Population 44,998 · Updated March 2026

$1,473
Median Rent / Month
$71,979
Median Income
$567,300
Median Home Value
$1,517
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Palm Springs

24.6%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$17,676
Annual Rent
$9,573
State Income Tax
$4,028
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Palm Springs has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 131 (where 100 equals the national median), Palm Springs residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,473/month while earning a median household income of $71,979/year.

The median home value in Palm Springs, CA is $567,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,517 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 Palm Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Palm Springs

What is the cost of living in Palm Springs, CA?
The cost of living index in Palm Springs, CA is 131 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,473, median household income is $71,979/year, and the median home value is $567,300.
Is Palm Springs, CA affordable?
No, Palm Springs is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 131. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Palm Springs, CA?
The median gross rent in Palm Springs, CA is $1,473 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,676.
What is the median household income in Palm Springs?
The median household income in Palm Springs, CA is $71,979 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%.