Palm Springs Cost of Living? (apartments, rentals, crime rate)

[aep005]

Hello all! I'm doing some early research on Palm Springs. I'm considering relocation from Texas for a much better job than I have currently. However, I know that the cost of living between our states is much different. My salary would be a significant increase, but I need to ensure I actually see that increase with the different cost of living. I think Palm Springs looks like a BEAUTIFUL location and somewhere I'd want to be. I'm curious to poll some of the locals. For a single person living in a 1-bedroom, what would you say is a salary one would need to live a comfortable life while paying college loans and saving money each month? I'm not a big spender, so my lifestyle wouldn't get in the way. Thanks for any help you could provide!

[RosieSD]

The general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of your net income on living expenses.

So, since you know your expected salary (we don't), first compute your expected net income. Be sure to take the difference in state income taxes into account. You can find the California income tax rates here: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2016-Ca...emptions.shtml But there are also online calculators that will do the math for you, including taking out other deductions.

Deduct the monthly payments of your student loans off of your disposable income.

Once you have that number, do the math of what 30% of your it will be and go to sites like Craigslist, zillow.com, apartments.com, etc. to see what is available, and where.

Then, come back here and ask locals about the areas where you are finding those rentals available (The Palm Springs area, like all areas, has more and less desirable areas). Also ask about things like the cost of electricity, especially during the summer months when you'll be running your AC, internet/cable, etc.

Good luck with your decision!

[RosieSD]

P.S. I wanted to add that many people in California end up going over 30% of their income for housing. But, since we don't know what your actual income will be, I'm just suggesting that as a starting point for your research and thinking about your new job.

[Brandon Graves]

Crime rate in Palm Springs, CA:
//www.city-data.com/crime/crime...alifornia.html

But, don't let this deter you, OP. I think you'll do just fine in most areas of Palm Springs. Just avoid the north end.