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Desert Edge, CA vs Morro Bay, CA

67
Desert Edge
California
VS
-59.3%
165
Morro Bay
California

The cost of living difference between Desert Edge, CA and Morro Bay, CA is dramatic. Desert Edge is 59.3% cheaper than Morro Bay, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Desert Edge has a cost index of 67 while Morro Bay sits at 165, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Desert Edge is $821/month compared to $1,820/month in Morro Bay — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Desert Edge is more affordable at $56,900 median vs $864,900.

Median household income in Desert Edge is $40,089 compared to $92,553 in Morro Bay (-56.7%). The higher salaries in Morro Bay partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Desert Edge spend roughly 24.6% of their income on rent, more than the 23.6% in Morro Bay.

Climate-wise, Desert Edge is notably warmer with an average of 75.6°F compared to 59.7°F in Morro Bay. Morro Bay receives more rainfall at 17.9" per year compared to 4.6" in Desert Edge.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Desert Edge
67
59% cheaper
Morro Bay
165
Median Household Income
Desert Edge
$40,089
Morro Bay
$92,553
57% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Desert Edge
$821
55% cheaper
Morro Bay
$1,820
Median Home Value
Desert Edge
$56,900
93% cheaper
Morro Bay
$864,900
Population
Desert Edge
3,642
Morro Bay
10,717

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Desert Edge $3.13
Morro Bay $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Desert Edge $2.55
Morro Bay $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Desert Edge $4.11
Morro Bay $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Desert Edge $1.89
Morro Bay $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Desert Edge $4.22
Morro Bay $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
Desert Edge $0.31
Morro Bay $0.25
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Desert Edge 75.6°F
Morro Bay 59.7°F
Summer High
Desert Edge 109°F
Morro Bay 78°F
Winter Low
Desert Edge 48°F
Morro Bay 41°F
Rainfall
Desert Edge 4.6"
Morro Bay 17.9"
Rainy Days
Desert Edge 17d
Morro Bay 56d