Des Moines, IA vs Santa Maria, CA: 70 vs 137

$1,054/mo ↓ 43%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 75%

$63,966/yr ↓ 24%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 32%

$183,700 ↓ 62%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 160%

$1,137/mo ↓ 36%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 57%

212,464

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $788/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,456/year.

Median household income is $20,651/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Des Moines or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $788/month.

Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $20,651/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Des Moines

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons