El Paseo in Palm Desert

Relocation guide

Moving to Palm Desert

What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.

Population

51,551

Median age 56.7

Median household income

$79,508

Median rent

$1,717/mo

Median home value

$491,600

Schools

9

1 districts

Summer high / winter low

109° / 46°

Pros

  • Mild weather in March, November, December, with highs between 65°F and 85°F.
  • 40 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach.

Cons

  • Homes cost 62% more than the US median ($491,600).
  • Hot summers: July highs average 109°F.

Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.

Plan your move

Where in Palm Desert?

Palm Desert spans 2 zip codes. Median home values range from $463,500 to $535,700 by zip.

Compare zip codes

Thinking about a nearby city too?

Life in Palm Desert

El Paseo (Palm Desert)
El Paseo (Palm Desert) 01Visitor7 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Cheetah Cub, Palm Desert
Cheetah CubArt Anderson · CC BY-SA 3.0
Shadow Ridge Golf Course, Palm Desert
Shadow Ridge Golf CourseDavid Balmer · CC BY 3.0

See Palm Desert

Cork Tree Restaurant in Palm Desert California (Part 1) with Mom and Dad video thumbnail

LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT

Cork Tree Restaurant in Palm Desert California (Part 1) with Mom and Dad

A local food Short shared by High Speed Dining.

Watch on YouTube ↗
Best Burgers John’s Restaurant in Palm Desert California video thumbnail

LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT

Best Burgers John’s Restaurant in Palm Desert California

A local food Short shared by Treat With Uzz.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Questions

Is Palm Desert a good place to live?

It depends on what you need. Mild weather in March, November, December, with highs between 65°F and 85°F. 40 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach. On the other hand: Homes cost 62% more than the US median ($491,600). Hot summers: July highs average 109°F.

How much do I need to earn to live in Palm Desert?

The median household earns $79,508. Rent at the median ($1,717/month) is about 26% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $68,680 a year.

How many schools are in Palm Desert?

9 public and private schools across 1 district. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.

What is the weather like in Palm Desert?

Highs average 109°F in July and lows 46°F in December. The most comfortable months are March, November, December.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.

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