Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
46% cheaper
Des Moines is 46% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $40,211 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 Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $640,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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