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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Des Moines is 74% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,054/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 93%
$63,966/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 37%
$183,700 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 151%
$1,137/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 74%
212,464
Population
210,378

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
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $982/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $11,784/year.

Median household income is $23,511/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Des Moines or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $982/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $23,511/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with rent of $2,036/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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