Palm Desert, California vs. Santa Cruz, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California is 64.8% more expensive than Palm Desert, California.

You would need a salary of $131,822 in Santa Cruz, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Palm Desert, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Cruz, California is more expensive than Palm Desert, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
135% more expensive in Santa Cruz
than in Palm Desert, California
Palm Desert, CA vs. Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to Palm Desert, Santa Cruz is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  64.8% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  11.9% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  157.0% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  15.3% lower
  Commute
  12.2% lower
  Health
  25.1% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  0.6% lower