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Desert Hot Springs, CA vs La Riviera, CA

104
Desert Hot Springs
California
VS
-18.5%
127
La Riviera
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Desert Hot Springs is 18.5% cheaper than La Riviera. With a cost index of 104 vs 127, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Desert Hot Springs to La Riviera 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 $1,757/month in La Riviera — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Desert Hot Springs is more affordable at $309,300 median vs $433,400.

Median household income in Desert Hot Springs is $50,349 compared to $91,111 in La Riviera (-44.7%). While La Riviera 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 23.1% in La Riviera. The La Riviera 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 63.4°F in La Riviera. La Riviera receives more rainfall at 19.2" per year compared to 4.6" in Desert Hot Springs.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Desert Hot Springs
104
18% cheaper
La Riviera
127
Median Household Income
Desert Hot Springs
$50,349
La Riviera
$91,111
45% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Desert Hot Springs
$1,339
24% cheaper
La Riviera
$1,757
Median Home Value
Desert Hot Springs
$309,300
29% cheaper
La Riviera
$433,400
Population
Desert Hot Springs
32,786
La Riviera
11,503

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

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