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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Des Moines is 65% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,054/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 138%
$63,966/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 84%
$183,700 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 310%
$1,137/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 127%
212,464
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,459/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $17,508/year.

Median household income is $53,737/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Des Moines or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,459/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $53,737/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Simi Valley details →

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