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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Victorville

California
111

Des Moines is 37% cheaper than Victorville.

$1,054/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,568/mo ↑ 49%
$63,966/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$70,663/yr ↑ 10%
$183,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$342,500 ↑ 86%
$1,137/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,612/mo ↑ 42%
212,464
Population
135,983

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
26.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Victorville, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $6,697/year higher in Victorville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $342,500 in Victorville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Victorville — common questions

Is Des Moines or Victorville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Victorville?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Victorville it's $1,568/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Victorville?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $70,663 in Victorville. Median household income is $6,697/year higher in Victorville.
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 Victorville?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Victorville has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,568/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Victorville details →

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