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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Antioch

California
171

Des Moines is 59% cheaper than Antioch.

$1,054/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,241/mo ↑ 113%
$63,966/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$94,256/yr ↑ 47%
$183,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$607,400 ↑ 231%
$1,137/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,271/mo ↑ 100%
212,464
Population
115,759

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Antioch, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,187/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $14,244/year.

Median household income is $30,290/year higher in Antioch. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $607,400 in Antioch.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Antioch — common questions

Is Des Moines or Antioch cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Antioch?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Antioch it's $2,241/month — a difference of $1,187/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Antioch?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $94,256 in Antioch. Median household income is $30,290/year higher in Antioch.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and California?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Antioch?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Antioch has a cost index of 171 with rent of $2,241/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Antioch details →

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