Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Des Moines is 30% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $52,148 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $290,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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