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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Fontana

California
146

Des Moines is 76% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,054/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 64%
$63,966/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 53%
$183,700 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 204%
$1,137/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 75%
212,464
Population
211,921

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $34,221/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Fontana — common questions

Is Des Moines or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Fontana?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Fontana?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $34,221/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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