Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Des Moines is 43% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $43,065 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 Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $490,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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