Median rent is 48% lower in Des Moines ($1,054/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Des Moines, where the median home runs $183,700 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $63,966 a year). Taken together, Temple City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 92.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Temple City, CA.
City A
Des Moines, IA
City B
Temple City, CA
How much would you need to earn in Temple City, CA to maintain your standard of living from Des Moines, IA?
Equivalent salary in Temple City, CA
$74,932
You could earn $68 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Des Moines
Iowa
Temple City
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Des Moines — median rent of $1,054/mo versus $2,034/mo in Temple City, a 48% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple City: the median home is $930,200 versus $183,700 in Des Moines — 80% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Iowa's top income tax rate is 5.70% versus 13.30% in California, so Des Moines is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Iowa and 7.25% in California; Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Des Moines (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for Temple City.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/yr).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,054/mo median).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.70%).
Is Des Moines cheaper than Temple City?
Temple City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 92.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Temple City.
How much is rent in Des Moines vs Temple City?
Median rent is $1,054/mo in Des Moines, IA and $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA. Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 48%.
Which has higher salaries — Des Moines or Temple City?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines, IA and $102,449 in Temple City, CA. Temple City, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Des Moines or Temple City?
Iowa's top income tax rate is 5.70% and California's is 13.30%. Des Moines, IA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Temple City to match my Des Moines income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Des Moines, IA is equivalent to roughly $99,909 in Temple City, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology