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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Pomona

California
143

Des Moines is 51% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,054/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 65%
$63,966/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 23%
$183,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 210%
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 55%
212,464
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $684/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,208/year.

Median household income is $14,903/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Pomona — common questions

Is Des Moines or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Pomona?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $684/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Pomona?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $14,903/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Pomona details →

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