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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Des Moines is 69% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,054/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 130%
$63,966/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 87%
$183,700 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 470%
$1,137/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 114%
212,464
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,370/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $16,440/year.

Median household income is $55,919/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Des Moines or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,370/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $55,919/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Huntington Beach details →

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