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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Sacramento is 89% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,694/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 38%
$83,753/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 24%
$484,600 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 62%
$1,752/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $19,787/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Des Moines?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Des Moines?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $19,787/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Des Moines details →

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