C
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
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 Twentynine Palms California National
Cost of living107141100
Groceries110111100
Health care119116100
Housing84197100
Transportation116118100
Utilities121119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items113111100
Education & Childcare129127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Twentynine Palms, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Twentynine Palms? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Twentynine Palms stands at 107, making it 7% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Twentynine Palms, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Twentynine Palms will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Household expenses account for 8% of the cost of living index and include the products people rely on every week, from toiletries and detergent to clothing and kitchen essentials. In Twentynine Palms, household essentials are 13.1% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Twentynine Palms?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 13 residents in Twentynine Palms to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 62% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 38% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Twentynine Palms Affordable?

Wondering if Twentynine Palms is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Twentynine Palms, for example, the median home price is 23.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 1.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Twentynine Palms boasting a median household income of $63,974, which is 21.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Twentynine Palms?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Twentynine Palms, the groceries index is 10% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Twentynine Palms, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Twentynine Palms shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Twentynine Palms is 24% lower than the California average
  • The cost of living in Twentynine Palms is 7% higher than the national average
  • Twentynine Palms housing is 16% lower 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 Twentynine Palms

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Compare Twentynine Palms, CA Cost of Living

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      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$76,775$6,398$1,791$2,303
      Renters$59,358$4,947$1,385$1,781
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Twentynine Palms, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Twentynine Palms, homeowners have a median income of $76,775. Using that number, a maximum of $1,791 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $59,358, which means there is a maximum of $1,385 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Joshua Tree, CA7,9801076.8%
      Twentynine Palms, CA27,7241077.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Carrollton, GA27,734982.1%
      New London, CT27,7121076.9%
      West Chicago, IL27,7401109.8%
      Dodge City, KS27,7468713.3%
      Ramsey, MN27,74811515.4%
      Twentynine Palms, CA27,7241077.0%
      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.