A Travel Price Comparison for California Los Angeles vs. Palm Springs for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Los Angeles or Palm Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Los Angeles and Palm Springs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Los Angeles or Palm Springs?

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.

It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.

Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.

Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs or Los Angeles?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Los Angeles is $257, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $206. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Los Angeles and Palm Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Los Angeles $140
    Palm Springs $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Los Angeles $280
    Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Los Angeles and Palm Springs

Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles or Palm Springs? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Los Angeles


Hotels in Palm Springs


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Los Angeles Hotel Prices and Palm Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Los Angeles $42
    Palm Springs $52
Typical Local Transportation prices in Los Angeles

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:


  • Hotel Parking for a Day
    $22
  • Taxi to Airport
    $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles

Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Los Angeles Airport LAX: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer to Los Angeles Airport LAX: $30
  • Los Angeles Arrival Private Transfer: LAX Airport: $31
  • Small-Group Amazing Hollywood Sign Tour with Transfer: $32
  • Transfer to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $39
  • Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Santa Monica - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Los Angeles to Los Angeles Int. Airport (LAX): $52
  • Private Van Airport Arrival Transfer: LAX Airport to Anaheim Resort Area: $53
  • Private Departure Transfer from Los Angeles City to Los Angeles Airport: $53
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Los Angeles Airport to Los Angeles City: $57
  • Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Los Angeles - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Los Angeles to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:

  • Palm Springs Private Transfer To San Diego, CA.: $398
  • Palm Springs International Airport One Way Transfer: $37
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $365
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $597
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $299
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $729
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to PALM SPRINGS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $197
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to PALM SPRINGS - Arrival Private Transfer: $98
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to PALM DESERT - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to PALM DESERT - Arrival Private Transfer: $106
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $970
  • Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $485

Is it cheaper to fly into Los Angeles or Palm Springs?

Prices for flights to both Palm Springs and Los Angeles change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Los Angeles $58
    Palm Springs $53
Typical Food prices in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4)
    $32
  • Burritos for Two
    $15
  • Coffee and Danish
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • How to Cook the Perfect Steak Virtual Cooking Class: $42
  • West Hollywood Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $77
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Los Angeles Venice Beach: $96
  • Private Authentic Middle Eastern Cooking Class in Reseda, Los Angeles: $102
  • Luxury Vegan Food Tours of Los Angeles: $125
  • Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach, Los Angeles w/ Private Tour Option: $207

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palm Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palm Springs.

  • Private French-Inspired Cooking Class with a Fun Local: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Los Angeles $83
    Palm Springs $29
Typical Entertainment prices in Los Angeles

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)
    $37
  • Bowling
    $13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two
    $30
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96

Tours and Activities in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hollywood Boulevard’s Haunting History and Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Gambling Built the Sunset Strip: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $5.13
  • Hollywood Legends: A self-guided audio tour of the Sunset Strip: $5.99
  • Hollywood Celebrity & Star Homes Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.40
  • City tour Los Angeles Chile: $10
  • TCL Chinese Theatre VIP Tour: $14
  • La Brea Tar Pits Museum Ticket: $15
  • Melrose Self-Guided Tour of Instagrammable Places: $19
  • Half Day Self-Guided Tour of Westwood in Los Angeles: $19
  • Fun Self-Guided Tour of Hollywood in Los Angeles: $19
  • Self-Guided Tour of Downtown Los Angeles with Fun Facts and Best Photo Ops: $19
  • Venice Beach, CA WalkingTour: $19

Tours and Activities in Palm Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:

  • Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Desert: $250
  • Indian Canyons Walking Tour by Jeep from Palm Springs: $250
  • Joshua Tree National Park: Driving Tour: $179
  • Modern & More Bike Tours Palm Springs: $55
  • Mods & Icons Tour of Palm Springs: $127
  • Palm Springs All-City Tour: $323
  • Palm Springs Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $29
  • Palm Springs Windmill Self-Driving Tour Interactive Fun Safe: $49
  • Indian Canyons Bike and Hike Adventure: $119
  • Indian Canyons Hiking Tour by Jeep: $175
  • Playground of the Stars Palm Springs Tour: $323
  • Private Golden Days Tour of Palm Springs: $323

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Los Angeles $15
    Palm Springs $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:

  • Brews Cruise- DTLA Brewery tour by bike: $50
  • Brewery Walking Tour -- Downtown / Arts District: $81
  • Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Day Tour from Los Angeles: $249
  • Los Angeles Wine Tour: $250
  • The Private Malibu Wine Tour: $419
  • Food and Wine Tasting Party: $750
  • Private Tour: Malibu Wine Tasting for Two by Limousine from Los Angeles: $999

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Palm Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palm Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palm Springs and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Palm Springs.


When is the best time to visit Los Angeles or Palm Springs?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Los Angeles as well as Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Los Angeles in July are around 72°F (22°C), and Palm Springs is about 73°F (23°C).

Los Angeles usually gets less rain in July than Palm Springs. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Los Angeles 72°F (22°C) 
    Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Los Angeles or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

Both Palm Springs and Los Angeles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Los Angeles is generally cooler than Palm Springs. Temperatures in Los Angeles average around 64°F (18°C), and Palm Springs stays around 69°F (20°C).

In October, Los Angeles usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Los Angeles 64°F (18°C) 
    Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Los Angeles or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Los Angeles during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the winter. The temperature in Los Angeles is usually 55°F (13°C) in January, and Palm Springs stays around 57°F (14°C).

Los Angeles usually gets more rain in January than Palm Springs. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Los Angeles 55°F (13°C) 
    Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Los Angeles or Palm Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Palm Springs. The spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Palm Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Los Angeles in April are around 61°F (16°C), and Palm Springs is about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Los Angeles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Palm Springs. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Los Angeles 61°F (16°C) 
    Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Los Angeles

Los Angeles Palm Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Mar 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 61°F (16°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Dec 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 57°F (14°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

Compare Hotel Prices
Kayak

Plaza la Reina From $362 The Culver Hotel From $293 Sunset Marquis Hotel From $327 Andaz West Hollywood From $301 The Garland From $241
View Hotels in Los Angeles

More City Comparisons
Los Angeles vs. Monterey
Los Angeles vs. Napa Valley
Los Angeles vs. Sacramento
Los Angeles vs. San Diego
Los Angeles vs. San Francisco
Los Angeles vs. Santa Barbara
Los Angeles vs. Santa Monica
Los Angeles vs. Sonoma
Monterey vs. Palm Springs
Napa Valley vs. Palm Springs
Palm Springs vs. Sacramento
Palm Springs vs. San Diego
Palm Springs vs. San Francisco
Palm Springs vs. Santa Barbara
Palm Springs vs. Santa Monica
Palm Springs vs. Sonoma
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Los Angeles vs. Palm Springs Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.