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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Des Moines is 77% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,054/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 183%
$63,966/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 172%
$183,700 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 732%
$1,137/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 168%
212,464
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,931/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $23,172/year.

Median household income is $109,704/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Des Moines or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,931/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $109,704/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville