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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Des Moines is 62% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,054/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 117%
$63,966/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 71%
$183,700 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 278%
$1,137/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 104%
212,464
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,232/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $14,784/year.

Median household income is $45,545/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Des Moines or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $1,232/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $45,545/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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