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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

San Jose is 263% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,617/mo ↑ 148%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 60%
$141,565/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 55%
$1,187,800 ↑ 547%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 85%
$2,775/mo ↑ 144%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 59%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,563/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $18,756/year.

Median household income is $77,599/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Des Moines — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Des Moines?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,563/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Des Moines?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $77,599/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Des Moines details →

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