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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Des Moines is 60% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,054/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 121%
$63,966/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 72%
$183,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 230%
$1,137/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 109%
212,464
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,276/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $15,312/year.

Median household income is $45,814/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Des Moines or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Murrieta?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,276/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Murrieta?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $45,814/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Murrieta details →

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