Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Des Moines is 48% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,054/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 36%
$63,966/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 7%
$183,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 234%
$1,137/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 28%
212,464
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $4,412/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Des Moines or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $4,412/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View East Los Angeles details →

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