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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Long Beach is 141% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,803/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
$83,969/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 24%
$762,200 ↑ 315%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 76%
$1,890/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 40%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $20,003/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Des Moines?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Des Moines?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $20,003/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Des Moines details →

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