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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Torrance

California
218

Des Moines is 68% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,054/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 110%
$63,966/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 77%
$183,700 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 464%
$1,137/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 102%
212,464
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,160/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $13,920/year.

Median household income is $49,139/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Torrance — common questions

Is Des Moines or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Torrance?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,160/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Torrance?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $49,139/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Torrance details →

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