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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Des Moines is 69% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,054/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 127%
$63,966/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 72%
$183,700 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 474%
$1,137/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 117%
212,464
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,341/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $16,092/year.

Median household income is $46,107/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Des Moines or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,341/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $46,107/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria