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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Des Moines is 68% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,054/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 110%
$63,966/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 62%
$183,700 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 469%
$1,137/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 106%
212,464
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,164/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $13,968/year.

Median household income is $39,812/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Des Moines or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Pasadena?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,164/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Pasadena?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $39,812/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Pasadena details →

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