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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Hayward

California
200

Des Moines is 65% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,054/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 124%
$63,966/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 78%
$183,700 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 347%
$1,137/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 113%
212,464
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,306/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $15,672/year.

Median household income is $49,809/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Hayward — common questions

Is Des Moines or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Hayward?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,306/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Hayward?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $49,809/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Hayward details →

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