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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Concord

California
187

Des Moines is 63% cheaper than Concord.

$1,054/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 111%
$63,966/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 71%
$183,700 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 311%
$1,137/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 101%
212,464
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,172/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $14,064/year.

Median household income is $45,229/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Concord — common questions

Is Des Moines or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Concord?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $1,172/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Concord?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $45,229/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Concord details →

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