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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Des Moines is 64% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,054/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 102%
$63,966/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 63%
$183,700 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 368%
$1,137/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 98%
212,464
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,070/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,840/year.

Median household income is $40,253/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Des Moines or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Fullerton?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,070/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Fullerton?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $40,253/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Fullerton details →

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