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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Des Moines is 72% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,054/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 102%
$63,966/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 70%
$183,700 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 635%
$1,137/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 106%
212,464
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,073/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,876/year.

Median household income is $44,592/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Des Moines or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Berkeley?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,073/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Berkeley?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $44,592/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Berkeley details →

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