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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Des Moines is 58% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,054/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 108%
$63,966/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 60%
$183,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 223%
$1,137/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 96%
212,464
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,137/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $13,644/year.

Median household income is $38,355/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Des Moines or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Fairfield?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,137/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Fairfield?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $38,355/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Fairfield details →

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