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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Bakersfield is 49% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,371/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 23%
$77,397/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 17%
$347,300 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 47%
$1,540/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 26%
408,366
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $13,431/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Bakersfield 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Des Moines?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Des Moines?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $13,431/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Bakersfield or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Des Moines details →

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