| Index | Twentynine Palms | California | National |
| Cost of living | 107 | 141 | 100 |
| Groceries | 110 | 111 | 100 |
| Health care | 119 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 84 | 197 | 100 |
| Transportation | 116 | 118 | 100 |
| Utilities | 121 | 119 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 118 | 120 | 100 |
| Household Items | 113 | 111 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 129 | 127 | 100 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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| Educare index |
| 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 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| California | 7.25% | 10.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| California | 1% | 13.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Joshua Tree, CA | 7,980 | 107 | 6.8% |
| Twentynine Palms, CA | 27,724 | 107 | 7.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Carrollton, GA | 27,734 | 98 | 2.1% |
| New London, CT | 27,712 | 107 | 6.9% |
| West Chicago, IL | 27,740 | 110 | 9.8% |
| Dodge City, KS | 27,746 | 87 | 13.3% |
| Ramsey, MN | 27,748 | 115 | 15.4% |
| Twentynine Palms, CA | 27,724 | 107 | 7.0% |