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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Des Moines is 79% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,054/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 191%
$63,966/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 184%
$183,700 ↓ 90%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 889%
$1,137/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 165%
212,464
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,011/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $24,132/year.

Median household income is $117,896/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Des Moines or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $2,011/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $117,896/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Sunnyvale details →

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