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Desert Hot Springs, CA vs Muscoy, CA

104
Desert Hot Springs
California
VS
-15.3%
122
Muscoy
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Desert Hot Springs is 15.3% cheaper than Muscoy. With a cost index of 104 vs 122, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Desert Hot Springs to Muscoy 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 $1,766/month in Muscoy — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Desert Hot Springs is more affordable at $309,300 median vs $379,200.

Median household income in Desert Hot Springs is $50,349 compared to $57,726 in Muscoy (-12.8%). The higher salaries in Muscoy partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Desert Hot Springs spend roughly 31.9% of their income on rent, less than the 36.7% in Muscoy. The Desert Hot Springs 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 Muscoy. Muscoy 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
15% cheaper
Muscoy
122
Median Household Income
Desert Hot Springs
$50,349
Muscoy
$57,726
13% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Desert Hot Springs
$1,339
24% cheaper
Muscoy
$1,766
Median Home Value
Desert Hot Springs
$309,300
18% cheaper
Muscoy
$379,200
Population
Desert Hot Springs
32,786
Muscoy
11,402

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
Muscoy $2,020
1 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $2,148
Muscoy $2,148
2 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $2,675
Muscoy $2,675
3 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $3,520
Muscoy $3,520
4 Bed
Desert Hot Springs $4,178
Muscoy $4,178

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

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