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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Des Moines is 55% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,054/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 91%
$63,966/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 40%
$183,700 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 203%
$1,137/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 81%
212,464
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $959/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $11,508/year.

Median household income is $25,530/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Des Moines or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Vallejo?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $959/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Vallejo?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $25,530/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Vallejo details →

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