Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Des Moines is 17% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $62,383 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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