Cost of Living in Twentynine Palms, CA

With a cost of living index of 96, Twentynine Palms, CA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 4% cheaper than the national average and 48% below the California state average of 144. With a population of 28,738, Twentynine Palms is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Twentynine Palms's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,271 (4% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $238,400 (22% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Twentynine Palms is $56,000, which is 25% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Twentynine Palms. The area sees an average annual temperature of 75.6°F, with summers averaging 92°F and winters around 59°F. Annual rainfall totals 4.6 inches spread over roughly 17 days. Hot summers are common, which can affect utility costs and lifestyle.

Everyday prices in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.