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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Des Moines is 58% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,054/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 107%
$63,966/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 91%
$183,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 228%
$1,137/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 96%
212,464
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,126/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $13,512/year.

Median household income is $58,263/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Des Moines or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,126/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $58,263/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Elk Grove

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 Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem