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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Stockton is 64% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,495/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 29%
$76,851/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 17%
$412,900 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 56%
$1,555/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 27%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $12,885/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Stockton 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 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Des Moines?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Des Moines?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $12,885/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Des Moines details →

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