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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Los Angeles is 117% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,879/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 44%
$80,366/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 20%
$879,500 ↑ 379%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 79%
$2,055/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 45%
3,857,897
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $16,400/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Des Moines?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Des Moines?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $16,400/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Des Moines details →