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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Riverside is 106% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,812/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
$88,575/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 28%
$542,100 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 66%
$1,880/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 40%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $24,609/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Des Moines?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Des Moines?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $24,609/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Des Moines details →

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