Santa Ana, CA vs Des Moines, IA: 163 vs 70

$1,975/mo ↑ 87%

Median Rent

$1,054/mo ↓ 47%

$88,354/yr ↑ 38%

Median Income

$63,966/yr ↓ 28%

$657,800 ↑ 258%

Home Value

$183,700 ↓ 72%

$1,965/mo ↑ 73%

Owner Costs

$1,137/mo ↓ 42%

311,639

Population

212,464

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $921/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $11,052/year.

Median household income is $24,388/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Des Moines?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $921/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Des Moines?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $24,388/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Des Moines?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Des Moines

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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