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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Des Moines is 72% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,054/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 154%
$63,966/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 118%
$183,700 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 530%
$1,137/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 146%
212,464
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,624/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $19,488/year.

Median household income is $75,360/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Des Moines or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,624/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $75,360/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Carlsbad details →

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