Palm Springs vs. Los Angeles: A Cost (And Lifestyle) Comparison

Palm Springs is a vibrant community unlike any other. It’s a destination, pure and simple. But, it’s a destination among many destinations. The truth is, the state of California is home to many iconic cities - arguably more than any other state in America. And the simple truth is, people want to live here. So, in a state with such an iconic reputation, how does one city stand above the rest? The rising costs of owning a home have cut many out of the market completely. San Diego, and indeed Los Angeles, have both been well publicized in this regard. So, let’s dive a little deeper, as the trend of home buyers moving away from the bigger cities continues into 2021. With a population of just 47,140 compared to LA’s nearly 4 million, Palm Springs definitely qualities for the smaller center category. Despite its smaller size, Palm Springs has much to offer interested homebuyers, including all the big city amenities you could ask for, and so much more Let’s dive in: Palm Springs vs. Los Angeles: a cost (and lifestyle) comparison. Housing Costs This is a big one. Affordability is naturally a primary consideration when choosing where to live, and a huge migration driver throughout the United States. When it comes to housing, Palm Springs takes it easily - whether you are renting or buying. The median cost of a home in Palm Springs is 66 less in Palms Springs, where the median price of a single family home is $415,000, compared to $689,000 in Los Angeles. That’s a nearly $300,000 difference, so hardly small potatoes. If you’re a renter though, it doesn’t get much better. The average cost of a rental in Palm Springs is $2,210 in Palms Springs - $2,908 in LA. But, What About the Lifestyle? Well, on average, taking into account everyday expenses, living in LA is about 32 expensive. So, while the average household income may be higher in Los Angeles, you’ll find your money going a lot further in the Coachella Valley. Also, with a lower population comes less congestion. Yes, the population of Palm Springs does swell in the winter months, due to the inevitable influx of part-time snowbirds, and vacationers, it’s markedly less congested then the larger city of the coast. Another byproduct of the reduced population and congestion is much improved air quality. The air quality found throughout the Coachella Valley is higher than the national average, and higher than LA by an even more significant margin. On a scale going up to 100, the national average is 58.4, LA comes in at a dismal 35.5 and Palm Springs scores an impressive 75.5. It’s good to be here. What Else Does Palm Springs Have Going for It? It’d be a pretty monumental task to highlight all that the city of Palm Springs has going for it in a single post. The city is one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the world. The iconic desert setting, bordered by towering mountain peaks has become instantly recognizable. The valley also enjoys an incredible climate, with more sunny days each year than most any other cities across the United States. In the past decades, it has gained a stellar reputation as a popular health retreat. It’s combination of bustling health industry and natural springs have both contributed to this reputation. The downtown core is also a bustling center of commerce, with incredible boutique shopping, trendy bars and restaurants, and fascinating art galleries. It’s also a one-of-a-kind golf destination, with a great reputation thanks to its collection of top courses, often attached to an incredible desert resort oasis.