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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Chula Vista is 154% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,122/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 50%
$105,173/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 39%
$697,400 ↑ 280%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 74%
$2,342/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 51%
275,030
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

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $41,207/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Chula Vista 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 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Des Moines?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,068/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Des Moines?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $41,207/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and Des Moines

Chula Vista vs. Madison Chula Vista vs. Gilbert Chula Vista vs. Buffalo Chula Vista vs. North Las Vegas Chula Vista vs. Chandler Chula Vista vs. Reno Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco