2025 Compare Cities Overview:
La Mesa, CA vs Palm Desert, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Palm Desert older or younger than people in La Mesa?
- The Median Age in Palm Desert is 20.2 years older than in La Mesa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palm Desert or La Mesa?
- Palm Desert housing costs are 26.9% less expensive than La Mesa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palm Desert or La Mesa?
- The average commute for residents of Palm Desert is 5.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of La Mesa.

Things to do in La Mesa?
La Mesa, California is a sunny city located in San Diego County. This vibrant community has plenty to offer anyone looking for an exciting place to live or visit. La Mesa has some of the best dining and shopping opportunities in the area, as well as access to several outdoor activities. Families will love the family-friendly attractions available throughout the area, such as roaming train rides and zoos. There are also great educational institutions nearby, making it a great place for students of all ages. With its beautiful weather year-round, La Mesa is an excellent destination to call home!

Things to do in Palm Desert?
Palm Desert is a city in Riverside County, California that enjoys year-round sunshine and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Located within the Coachella Valley of the Sonoran desert, there are plenty of activities to enjoy around the area such as golfing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and rock climbing. The city has some beautiful resorts with upscale amenities, shopping centers full of boutique stores and galleries, art shows and festivals to take part in throughout the year. In addition to its picturesque scenery, Palm Desert’s rich cultural diversity makes it an ideal place for a unique travel experience.

 La Mesa, CAPalm Desert, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock51,081329,725,481
 Median Income$75,616  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$737,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.32  Unlock26.38
Reviews for La Mesa    9 Reviews

The same San Diego prices and high taxes, but not the nice weather. 15 degrees hotter than the coast. Save the money and move to AZ if you like the climate in La Mesa.  More

   |    Reply

I now live in Wyoming but I was a third generation San Diegan, my maternal grandmother having been born on Coronado Island in 1894. If you are a new arrival to the  More

   |    Reply

I Need Correct Information I lived there Over 20 Years  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of La Mesa

Reviews for Palm Desert    14 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Palm Desert, CA is full of rude people. One woman in a long sleeved pink shirt is being extremely rude and mocking people for no reason at a neighborhood Walmart in Palm  More

   |    Reply

Palm Desert is clean, upscale and beautiful. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains bright blue sky and green expanses of golf course fairways, swimming pools and  More

   |    Reply

I made the mistake of moving here after a short vacation to be closer to family. Biggest mistake of my life! This is not the place to live if health is important to you.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palm Desert


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.