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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

San Francisco is 281% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,419/mo ↑ 130%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 56%
$141,446/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 55%
$1,380,500 ↑ 651%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 87%
$2,620/mo ↑ 130%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 57%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,365/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $16,380/year.

Median household income is $77,480/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Des Moines — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Des Moines?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,365/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Des Moines?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $77,480/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Des Moines

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco