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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Orange

California
206

Des Moines is 66% cheaper than Orange.

$1,054/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 114%
$63,966/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 83%
$183,700 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 390%
$1,137/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 111%
212,464
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,198/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $14,376/year.

Median household income is $52,979/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Orange — common questions

Is Des Moines or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Orange?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,198/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Orange?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $52,979/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Orange details →

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