Canada + USA · 8 places

Best places to live for desert living in Canada and the USA

Dry, sunny desert cities with mild winters and big skies.

Order: Most sunny days first. Figures are approximate and meant for comparing places, not official statistics.

Best for desert living in the USA

  1. #1 · California, USA

    Palm Springs

    Mid century style, pools and warm desert winters.

    January / July
    14°C / 34°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 3h+ / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townWarm wintersDesertGolfNightlife
  2. #2 · Arizona, USA

    Phoenix

    Mild winters, desert hikes and a booming job market.

    January / July
    13°C / 35°C
    Sunny days a year
    299
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h 30m / 45 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWarm wintersDesertGolf
  3. #3 · Nevada, USA

    Las Vegas

    Desert sun, no state income tax and big shows.

    January / July
    9°C / 34°C
    Sunny days a year
    294
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 35 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$460,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Big cityDesertNightlifeGolfHiking
  4. #4 · Arizona, USA

    Scottsdale

    Desert sunshine, golf and a favourite of snowbirds.

    January / July
    13°C / 34°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h 30m / 45 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersGolfDesertHiking
  5. #5 · Arizona, USA

    Tucson

    Saguaro sunsets and Sonoran food at a gentler pace.

    January / July
    12°C / 31°C
    Sunny days a year
    286
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 3h+ / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$360,000
    Cost of living
    96 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersDesertHikingGolfFood scene
  6. #6 · New Mexico, USA

    Albuquerque

    High desert city with balloons and green chile.

    January / July
    2°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 3h+ / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    93 (100 = national average)
    Big cityDesertHikingSkiingLower cost
  7. #7 · Arizona, USA

    Sedona

    Red rock canyons and starry desert skies.

    January / July
    6°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 3h+ / 2h
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    Small townDesertHikingGolf
  8. #8 · New Mexico, USA

    Santa Fe

    Adobe arts capital with a ski hill up the road.

    January / July
    -1°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 3h+ / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Small townFood sceneSkiingDesertHiking
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