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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Des Moines is 59% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,054/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 98%
$63,966/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 52%
$183,700 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 273%
$1,137/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 87%
212,464
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,030/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,360/year.

Median household income is $33,444/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Des Moines or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,030/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $33,444/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Santa Rosa details →

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