Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
53% cheaper
Des Moines is 53% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $35,132 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 Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $990,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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