How much does it cost to rent in Desert Hot Springs, CA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Desert Hot Springs, CA is $1,970. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Desert Hot Springs cheaper than other California cities?

Desert Hot Springs is among the more affordable cities in California, ranking #345 out of 387 cities at $1,970/mo.

When was Desert Hot Springs rent data last updated?

Desert Hot Springs rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · CA

Desert Hot Springs

Name: Average Rent Prices in Desert Hot Springs, CA
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 33,200·345th most expensive in California·Rental market data updated monthly for Desert Hot Springs, CA

Median rent (all units)

$1,970/mo

Year-over-Year

+2.1%

Month-over-Month

+0.7%

vs US Median

+$5

Rising (Monthly)

Be the first to discuss Desert Hot Springs rents ↓

Most AffordableMost Expensive

Desert Hot Springs · $1,970

More expensive than 57% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

55/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what Desert Hot Springs's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$1,970/mo

Expected by trend

$2,017/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Desert Hot Springs's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,370

1 BR

$1,450

2 BR

$1,810

3 BR

$2,440

4 BR+

$2,980

Research median

$1,810/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$23,640/yr

At $1,970/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are climbing (2.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.

Based on rent-price momentum (+2.1% YoY, +0.7% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Desert Hot Springs, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

33,200

Median income

$52,761

Median age

34.5

Renters

49.3%

Age distribution

27.3%

23.3%

24.3%

12.2%

13%

Under 1827.3%

18–3423.3%

35–5424.3%

55–6412.2%

65+13%

Gender

49%

51%

Male49%

Female51%

Race & ethnicity

29.5%

63.6%

White29.5%

Black9.8%

Hispanic63.6%

Asian1.6%

Education (25+)

20.4%

34.1%

28.9%

16.7%

No HS diploma20.4%

HS diploma34.1%

Some college28.9%

Bachelor's+16.7%

Housing tenure

50.7%

49.3%

Owner50.7%

Renter49.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Desert Hot Springs, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,707 → $1,970

up 15.4%

Income

$37,924 → $52,761

up 39.1%

Population

31,988 → 33,200

up 3.8%

Renter share

52.7% → 49.3%

-3.4 pts

Bachelor's+

14.5% → 16.7%

+2.2 pts

Since 2023, the typical rent in Desert Hot Springs, CA has increased from $1,707 to $1,970, a 15.4% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $52,761 today, compared with $37,924 five years earlier. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has grown by 3.8% since 2021, moving from about 31,988 residents to roughly 33,200. Renters now make up 49.3% of households, compared with 52.7% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 16.7% of adults here, versus 14.5% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

Discussions about Desert Hot Springs

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Desert Hot Springs rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Desert Hot Springs on your salary?

At $1,970/mo, how Desert Hot Springs rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $111,486/yr · Rent = 21.2% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $79,154/yr · Rent = 29.9% income

affordable

Police Officer

Avg $91,179/yr · Rent = 25.9% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $162,970/yr · Rent = 14.5% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $208,235/yr · Rent = 11.4% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $74,116/yr · Rent = 31.9% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $66,918/yr · Rent = 35.3% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $82,482/yr · Rent = 28.7% income

affordable

By apartment size

Desert Hot Springs rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Desert Hot Springs. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Desert Hot Springs

About renting in Desert Hot Springs, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Desert Hot Springs is $1,970/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,370/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,810/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,450/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,440/mo.

At 45% of local median household income ($52,761/yr), Desert Hot Springs ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Desert Hot Springs an affordable city for renters?

Desert Hot Springs is considered stretched for renters. At $1,970/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the local median household income ($52,761/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Desert Hot Springs significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Desert Hot Springs?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $79,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,970/mo in Desert Hot Springs. The local median household income is $52,761/yr, meaning the typical Desert Hot Springs household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Desert Hot Springs?

Rent in Desert Hot Springs has increased 2.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Desert Hot Springs neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Desert Hot Springs are 92240 ($1,978/mo), and 92241 ($2,080/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Desert Hot Springs is $1,970/mo.

How does Desert Hot Springs rent compare to other cities in California?

Desert Hot Springs is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #345 out of 387 tracked cities at $1,970/mo.

What percentage of Desert Hot Springs residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.3% of Desert Hot Springs households are renters, while 50.7% are owner-occupied. Desert Hot Springs leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Desert Hot Springs rent compare to the national average?

Desert Hot Springs's median rent of $1,970/mo is $5 (0%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #345 out of 387 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

45%

STRETCHED

At $1,970/mo, rent takes ~45% of Desert Hot Springs's median household income ($52,761/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Desert Hot Springs 45%Benchmark 30%

State income tax1–13.3%

Run the Desert Hot Springs affordability calculator →

Nearby cities