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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

San Bernardino is 56% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,433/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 26%
$63,988/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
$384,900 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 52%
$1,478/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $22/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Des Moines — common questions

Is San Bernardino 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Des Moines?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Des Moines?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $22/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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