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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Fresno is 44% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,324/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
$66,804/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 47%
$1,391/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 18%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $2,838/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Des Moines?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Des Moines?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $2,838/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Des Moines details →

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