2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Orinda, CA vs Palm Desert, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Palm Desert older or younger than people in Orinda?
- The Median Age in Palm Desert is 7.2 years older than in Orinda.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palm Desert or Orinda?
- Palm Desert housing costs are 72.7% less expensive than Orinda housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palm Desert or Orinda?
- The average commute for residents of Palm Desert is 15.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Orinda.

Things to do in Orinda?
Orinda, CA is a picturesque city located in the hills of Contra Costa County. Home to approximately 20,000 residents, Orinda offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding rolling hills. Residents of Orinda enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, as well as restaurants and shops in the charming downtown area. With its quiet atmosphere, friendly citizens and vibrant community, Orinda is an ideal place to live or visit.

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.

 Orinda, CAPalm Desert, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock51,081329,725,481
 Median Income$248,984  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,972,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time34.54  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Orinda    3 Reviews

Orinda is an extremely safe, quiet, bucolic place to live. The schools are incredible, parent participation is maximal. It's close to everything and yet has a feeling of  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Weather in Orinda is  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Being ranked the number one public high school system in California says little for this small rural upscale community. With a high percentage of college graduates with  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Orinda

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.