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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Des Moines is 44% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,054/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 61%
$63,966/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 19%
$183,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 123%
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 54%
212,464
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $12,117/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Des Moines or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Lancaster?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Lancaster?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $12,117/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Lancaster details →

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