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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Glendale

California
214

Des Moines is 144% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,054/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 99%
$63,966/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 32%
$183,700 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 468%
$1,137/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 95%
212,464
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,041/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,492/year.

Median household income is $20,296/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Glendale — common questions

Is Des Moines or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Glendale?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $1,041/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Glendale?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $20,296/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Glendale details →