Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Anaheim is 112% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,082/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 49%
$90,583/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 29%
$771,700 ↑ 320%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 76%
$2,165/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 47%
344,553
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,028/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,336/year.

Median household income is $26,617/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Anaheim or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Des Moines?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,028/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Des Moines?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $26,617/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Des Moines details →