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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Oakland is 179% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,917/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
$97,369/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 34%
$924,700 ↑ 403%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 80%
$2,164/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 47%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $33,403/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Des Moines?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Des Moines?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $33,403/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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