2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Palm Desert, CA vs Santa Monica, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in Palm Desert?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 14.8 years younger than in Palm Desert.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or Palm Desert?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 207.4% more expensive than Palm Desert housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or Palm Desert?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 7.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of Palm Desert.

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.

Things to do in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica, California is a vibrant beach city located in Los Angeles County. This popular destination offers something for everyone, from world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities like surfing and biking along the beachside path. Cultural attractions like the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the nearby Getty Villa make it easy to explore the area's history and art. Nightlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the countless bars, nightclubs, and lounges scattered throughout town. With its many attractions and activities, Santa Monica is sure to make your vacation unforgettable!

 Palm Desert, CASanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$67,514  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$539,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.18  Unlock26.38
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

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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

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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

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Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews

I moved here to Santa Monica over 10 years ago from Oklahoma City. I was surprised to see that Oklahoma City was ranked higher than Santa Monica on best places. I  More

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I've lived in Santa Monica for over 30 years. It's a Mediterranean climate--sunny and temperate when the rest of the country is under snow! I am walking distance to  More

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I have lived in this city for 4 decades, and it is never been worse than it is now. It is a dangerous disgusting hell hole. Between the crime, the homeless that are not  More

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