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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Des Moines is 60% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,054/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 87%
$63,966/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 41%
$183,700 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 317%
$1,137/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 77%
212,464
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $917/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $11,004/year.

Median household income is $26,200/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Des Moines or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $917/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $26,200/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Garden Grove details →

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