F
28%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
56%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Cathedral City California National
Cost of living128141100
Groceries112111100
Health care114116100
Housing156197100
Transportation121118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment122120100
Household Items108111100
Education & Childcare123127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Cathedral City, CA

The cost of living in Cathedral City affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Cathedral City is 128, which is 28% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Cathedral City is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Cathedral City falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Cathedral City cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 55.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

The relentless increase in grocery prices is a noteworthy trend. In the last two years, grocery costs have experienced an upward trajectory of over 10%. Unfortunately, Cathedral City is no exception, where grocery prices are 12% above the national average.

Is Cathedral City Affordable?

Is Cathedral City affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Cathedral City, the median home price is 67% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 29.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Cathedral City boasting a median household income of $75,142, 7.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cathedral City?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Cathedral City, the transportation index is 20.5% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Cathedral City, healthcare costs are 13.5% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Cathedral City, the housing index stands at 55.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Cathedral City are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cathedral City is 9% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Cathedral City is 28% higher than the national average
  • Cathedral City housing is 56% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Cathedral City

See all the best places to live around Cathedral City

Compare Cathedral City, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Cathedral City?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Cathedral City?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Cathedral City poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$102,340$8,528$2,388$3,071
      Renters$50,443$4,204$1,177$1,513
      The affordability of the housing market in Cathedral City, CA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Cathedral City homeowners, the median income is $102,340. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,388 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $50,443. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,177 for their rent related monthly costs.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mountain Center, CA1711313.3%
      Desert Edge, CA3,594936.6%
      Sky Valley, CA2,3281033.0%
      Thousand Palms, CA8,38811414.4%
      Whitewater, CA1,20211312.8%
      Cathedral City, CA56,62512828.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Berwyn, IL56,6421066.5%
      Highland, CA56,60613131.3%
      Hacienda Heights, CA56,60317271.7%
      Chicopee, MA56,65811111.4%
      Burlington, NC56,679927.5%
      Cathedral City, CA56,62512828.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.