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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Des Moines is 46% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,054/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 65%
$63,966/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 27%
$183,700 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 137%
$1,137/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 61%
212,464
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $682/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,184/year.

Median household income is $17,185/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Des Moines or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Palmdale?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $682/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Palmdale?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $17,185/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Palmdale details →

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