2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rapid City, SD vs Palm Desert, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Palm Desert older or younger than people in Rapid City?
- The Median Age in Palm Desert is 18.1 years older than in Rapid City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palm Desert or Rapid City?
- Palm Desert housing costs are 84.3% more expensive than Rapid City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palm Desert or Rapid City?
- The average commute for residents of Palm Desert is 3.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Rapid City.

Things to do in Rapid City?
Rapid City, South Dakota is a vibrant city located in the southwestern corner of the United States. Home to attractions such as Bear Country USA and Reptile Gardens, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Rapid City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Journey Museum & Learning Center and Art Alley. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Rapid City has something for everyone!

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.

 Rapid City, SDPalm Desert, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock51,081329,725,481
 Median Income$58,072  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$292,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.68  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rapid City    31 Reviews

I have lived in this city for the last three and half years and I can't stand it!! Let me spell it out for you, but to be fair, let me give you the Pros first:  More

   |    Reply

Unless you made your pension out of state or already bought a home you can't afford to liver there. Rapid City is gray in winter.  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I've lived in the city 5 years a loved  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Rapid City

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.