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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Roseville

California
168

Des Moines is 58% cheaper than Roseville.

$1,054/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,099/mo ↑ 99%
$63,966/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$117,354/yr ↑ 83%
$183,700 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$630,600 ↑ 243%
$1,137/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 96%
212,464
Population
152,438

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Roseville, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,045/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,540/year.

Median household income is $53,388/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $630,600 in Roseville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Roseville — common questions

Is Des Moines or Roseville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Roseville?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Roseville it's $2,099/month — a difference of $1,045/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Roseville?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $117,354 in Roseville. Median household income is $53,388/year higher in Roseville.
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 Roseville?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Roseville has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,099/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Roseville details →

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