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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Des Moines is 56% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,054/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 86%
$63,966/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 46%
$183,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 236%
$1,137/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 74%
212,464
Population
201,014

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $908/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,896/year.

Median household income is $29,406/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Des Moines or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Oxnard?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $908/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Oxnard?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $29,406/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with rent of $1,962/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Oxnard details →

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