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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Fremont is 297% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,905/mo ↑ 176%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 64%
$176,350/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 64%
$1,289,400 ↑ 602%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 86%
$3,000/mo ↑ 164%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 62%
228,518
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,851/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $22,212/year.

Median household income is $112,384/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Fremont or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Des Moines?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,851/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Des Moines?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $112,384/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco