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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Modesto is 71% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,609/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 34%
$77,899/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 18%
$415,600 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 56%
$1,613/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 30%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $13,933/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Des Moines?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Des Moines?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $13,933/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Modesto vs. Tacoma Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Des Moines vs. Port St. Lucie