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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Santa Clarita is 181% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,486/mo ↑ 136%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 58%
$119,926/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 47%
$721,000 ↑ 292%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 75%
$2,649/mo ↑ 133%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 57%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,432/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $17,184/year.

Median household income is $55,960/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Des Moines?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,432/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Des Moines?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $55,960/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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