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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Irvine is 266% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,893/mo ↑ 174%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 64%
$129,647/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 51%
$1,115,400 ↑ 507%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 84%
$2,904/mo ↑ 155%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 61%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,839/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $22,068/year.

Median household income is $65,681/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Des Moines?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,839/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Des Moines?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $65,681/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Des Moines details →

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