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East Hemet, CA vs Joshua Tree, CA

117
East Hemet
California
VS
+21.1%
97
Joshua Tree
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Joshua Tree is 21.1% cheaper than East Hemet. With a cost index of 97 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Joshua Tree to East Hemet should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in East Hemet is $1,620/month compared to $1,191/month in Joshua Tree — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joshua Tree is more affordable at $280,600 median vs $370,300.

Median household income in East Hemet is $80,621 compared to $64,036 in Joshua Tree (+25.9%). While East Hemet is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of East Hemet spend roughly 24.1% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Joshua Tree.

Climate-wise, Joshua Tree is notably warmer with an average of 75.6°F compared to 63.3°F in East Hemet. East Hemet receives more rainfall at 10.7" per year compared to 4.6" in Joshua Tree.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
East Hemet
117
Joshua Tree
97
17% cheaper
Median Household Income
East Hemet
$80,621
21% higher
Joshua Tree
$64,036

Housing

Median Rent
East Hemet
$1,620
Joshua Tree
$1,191
26% cheaper
Median Home Value
East Hemet
$370,300
Joshua Tree
$280,600
24% cheaper
Population
East Hemet
20,292
Joshua Tree
6,767

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
East Hemet $2,020
Joshua Tree $2,020
1 Bed
East Hemet $2,148
Joshua Tree $2,148
2 Bed
East Hemet $2,675
Joshua Tree $2,675
3 Bed
East Hemet $3,520
Joshua Tree $3,520
4 Bed
East Hemet $4,178
Joshua Tree $4,178

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
East Hemet 63.3°F
Joshua Tree 75.6°F
Summer High
East Hemet 94°F
Joshua Tree 109°F
Winter Low
East Hemet 37°F
Joshua Tree 48°F
Rainfall
East Hemet 10.7"
Joshua Tree 4.6"
Rainy Days
East Hemet 0d
Joshua Tree 17d