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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Ontario

California
152

Des Moines is 54% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 82%
$63,966/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 29%
$183,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 209%
$1,137/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 73%
212,464
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $18,840/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Ontario — common questions

Is Des Moines or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Ontario?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Ontario?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $18,840/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Ontario details →

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