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Desert Edge, CA vs Placerville, CA

67
Desert Edge
California
VS
-40.3%
112
Placerville
California

The cost of living difference between Desert Edge, CA and Placerville, CA is dramatic. Desert Edge is 40.3% cheaper than Placerville, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Desert Edge has a cost index of 67 while Placerville sits at 112, 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 $1,229/month in Placerville — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Desert Edge is more affordable at $56,900 median vs $450,600.

Median household income in Desert Edge is $40,089 compared to $70,602 in Placerville (-43.2%). While Placerville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Desert Edge spend roughly 24.6% of their income on rent, more than the 20.9% in Placerville.

Climate-wise, Desert Edge is notably warmer with an average of 75.6°F compared to 63.4°F in Placerville. Placerville receives more rainfall at 19.2" per year compared to 4.6" in Desert Edge.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Desert Edge
67
40% cheaper
Placerville
112
Median Household Income
Desert Edge
$40,089
Placerville
$70,602
43% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Desert Edge
$821
33% cheaper
Placerville
$1,229
Median Home Value
Desert Edge
$56,900
87% cheaper
Placerville
$450,600
Population
Desert Edge
3,642
Placerville
10,730

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Desert Edge $2,020
Placerville $1,784
12% cheaper
1 Bed
Desert Edge $2,148
Placerville $1,871
13% cheaper
2 Bed
Desert Edge $2,675
Placerville $2,305
14% cheaper
3 Bed
Desert Edge $3,520
Placerville $3,077
13% cheaper
4 Bed
Desert Edge $4,178
Placerville $3,552
15% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Desert Edge $3.13
Placerville $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Desert Edge $2.55
Placerville $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Desert Edge $4.11
Placerville $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Desert Edge $1.89
Placerville $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Desert Edge $4.22
Placerville $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
Desert Edge $0.31
Placerville $0.26
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Desert Edge 75.6°F
Placerville 63.4°F
Summer High
Desert Edge 109°F
Placerville 94°F
Winter Low
Desert Edge 48°F
Placerville 41°F
Rainfall
Desert Edge 4.6"
Placerville 19.2"
Rainy Days
Desert Edge 17d
Placerville 61d