Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Des Moines is 21% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $59,598 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 Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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