Home / Compare / Desert Hot Springs vs Home Gardens

Desert Hot Springs, CA vs Home Gardens, CA

104
Desert Hot Springs
California
VS
-21.2%
131
Home Gardens
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Desert Hot Springs is 21.2% cheaper than Home Gardens. With a cost index of 104 vs 131, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Desert Hot Springs to Home Gardens should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Desert Hot Springs is $1,339/month compared to $1,744/month in Home Gardens — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Desert Hot Springs is more affordable at $309,300 median vs $498,800.

Median household income in Desert Hot Springs is $50,349 compared to $92,344 in Home Gardens (-45.5%). While Home Gardens 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 Hot Springs spend roughly 31.9% of their income on rent, more than the 22.7% in Home Gardens. The Home Gardens ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Desert Hot Springs is notably warmer with an average of 75.6°F compared to 66.2°F in Home Gardens. Home Gardens receives more rainfall at 9.4" per year compared to 4.6" in Desert Hot Springs.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Desert Hot Springs
104
21% cheaper
Home Gardens
131
Median Household Income
Desert Hot Springs
$50,349
Home Gardens
$92,344
45% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Desert Hot Springs
$1,339
23% cheaper
Home Gardens
$1,744
Median Home Value
Desert Hot Springs
$309,300
38% cheaper
Home Gardens
$498,800
Population
Desert Hot Springs
32,786
Home Gardens
11,430

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Formula:

Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Desert Hot Springs $2,020
Home Gardens $2,020
1 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $2,148
Home Gardens $2,148
2 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $2,675
Home Gardens $2,675
3 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $3,520
Home Gardens $3,520
4 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $4,178
Home Gardens $4,178

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Desert Hot Springs $3.13
Home Gardens $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Desert Hot Springs $2.55
Home Gardens $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Desert Hot Springs $4.11
Home Gardens $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Desert Hot Springs $1.89
Home Gardens $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Desert Hot Springs $4.22
Home Gardens $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
Desert Hot Springs $0.31
Home Gardens $0.31
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Desert Hot Springs 75.6°F
Home Gardens 66.2°F
Summer High
Desert Hot Springs 109°F
Home Gardens 93°F
Winter Low
Desert Hot Springs 48°F
Home Gardens 44°F
Rainfall
Desert Hot Springs 4.6"
Home Gardens 9.4"
Rainy Days
Desert Hot Springs 17d
Home Gardens 35d