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Edwards AFB, CA vs Thousand Palms, CA

131
Edwards AFB
California
VS
+28%
102
Thousand Palms
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Thousand Palms is 28% cheaper than Edwards AFB. With a cost index of 102 vs 131, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Thousand Palms to Edwards AFB should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

Renters will find that Edwards AFB has a median rent of $2,314/month while Thousand Palms comes in at $1,432/month, a 62% difference.

Median household income in Edwards AFB is $92,120 compared to $80,280 in Thousand Palms (+14.7%). The higher salaries in Edwards AFB partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Edwards AFB spend roughly 30.1% of their income on rent, more than the 21.4% in Thousand Palms. The Thousand Palms ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Thousand Palms is notably warmer with an average of 75.6°F compared to 62.1°F in Edwards AFB. Edwards AFB receives more rainfall at 6.8" per year compared to 4.6" in Thousand Palms.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Edwards AFB
131
Thousand Palms
102
22% cheaper
Median Household Income
Edwards AFB
$92,120
13% higher
Thousand Palms
$80,280

Housing

Median Rent
Edwards AFB
$2,314
Thousand Palms
$1,432
38% cheaper
Median Home Value
Edwards AFB
Thousand Palms
$260,500
Population
Edwards AFB
2,566
Thousand Palms
7,662

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Edwards AFB $1,440
Thousand Palms $2,020
29% cheaper
1 Bed
Edwards AFB $1,630
Thousand Palms $2,148
24% cheaper
2 Bed
Edwards AFB $2,070
Thousand Palms $2,675
23% cheaper
3 Bed
Edwards AFB $2,650
Thousand Palms $3,520
25% cheaper
4 Bed
Edwards AFB $2,920
Thousand Palms $4,178
30% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Edwards AFB $3.22
Thousand Palms $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Edwards AFB $2.62
Thousand Palms $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Edwards AFB $4.22
Thousand Palms $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Edwards AFB $1.94
Thousand Palms $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Edwards AFB $4.35
Thousand Palms $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
Edwards AFB $0.28
Thousand Palms $0.31
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Edwards AFB 62.1°F
Thousand Palms 75.6°F
Summer High
Edwards AFB 98°F
Thousand Palms 109°F
Winter Low
Edwards AFB 31°F
Thousand Palms 48°F
Rainfall
Edwards AFB 6.8"
Thousand Palms 4.6"
Rainy Days
Edwards AFB 28d
Thousand Palms 17d