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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Ventura

California
183

Des Moines is 62% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,054/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 99%
$63,966/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 57%
$183,700 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 324%
$1,137/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 86%
212,464
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,047/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,564/year.

Median household income is $36,441/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Ventura — common questions

Is Des Moines or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Ventura?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,047/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Ventura?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $36,441/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Ventura details →

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