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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Des Moines is 69% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,054/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 145%
$63,966/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 110%
$183,700 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 418%
$1,137/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 140%
212,464
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,526/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $18,312/year.

Median household income is $70,401/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Des Moines or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,526/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $70,401/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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