Home / Compare / Twentynine Palms vs Whittier

Twentynine Palms, CA vs Whittier, CA

96
Twentynine Palms
California
VS
-39.2%
157
Whittier
California

The cost of living difference between Twentynine Palms, CA and Whittier, CA is dramatic. Twentynine Palms is 39.2% cheaper than Whittier, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Twentynine Palms has a cost index of 96 while Whittier sits at 157, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Twentynine Palms is $1,271/month compared to $1,829/month in Whittier — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Twentynine Palms is more affordable at $238,400 median vs $751,700.

Median household income in Twentynine Palms is $56,000 compared to $92,374 in Whittier (-39.4%). While Whittier is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Twentynine Palms spend roughly 27.2% of their income on rent, more than the 23.8% in Whittier.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Twentynine Palms
96
39% cheaper
Whittier
157
Median Household Income
Twentynine Palms
$56,000
Whittier
$92,374
39% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Twentynine Palms
$1,271
31% cheaper
Whittier
$1,829
Median Home Value
Twentynine Palms
$238,400
68% cheaper
Whittier
$751,700
Population
Twentynine Palms
28,738
Whittier
85,925

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
Twentynine Palms $2,020
Whittier $2,031
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Twentynine Palms $2,148
Whittier $2,272
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Twentynine Palms $2,675
Whittier $2,835
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Twentynine Palms $3,520
Whittier $3,599
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Twentynine Palms $4,178
Whittier $4,010
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Twentynine Palms $3.13
Whittier $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Twentynine Palms $2.55
Whittier $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Twentynine Palms $4.11
Whittier $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Twentynine Palms $1.89
Whittier $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Twentynine Palms $4.22
Whittier $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Twentynine Palms $0.31
Whittier $0.27
US $0.19