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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Richmond

California
161

Des Moines is 57% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,054/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 80%
$63,966/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
$183,700 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 254%
$1,137/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 77%
212,464
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $841/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,092/year.

Median household income is $26,072/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Richmond — common questions

Is Des Moines or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Richmond?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $841/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Richmond?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $26,072/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Richmond

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell