Desert Edge, CA vs Placerville, CA
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
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)