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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Downey

California
169

Des Moines is 59% cheaper than Downey.

$1,054/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 80%
$63,966/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 37%
$183,700 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 297%
$1,137/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 76%
212,464
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $838/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,056/year.

Median household income is $23,434/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Downey — common questions

Is Des Moines or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Downey?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $838/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Downey?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $23,434/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Downey details →

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