Median rent is 8% lower in Des Moines ($1,727/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Des Moines, where the median home runs $539,800 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Des Moines ($89,787 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Des Moines is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.1 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Des Moines, WA.
Quick verdict
Des Moines is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.1 in Des Moines vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Des Moines, WA
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Des Moines, WA?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$92,316
You'd need $17,316 more (23% higher).
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
Washington
Los Angeles
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Des Moines at $1,727/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (8% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $539,800 in Des Moines — 39% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Des Moines a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 7.25% in California; Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Des Moines
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Des Moines.
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($89,787/yr).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Des Moines cheaper than Los Angeles?
Des Moines is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Des Moines.
How much is rent in Des Moines vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,727/mo in Des Moines, WA and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Des Moines, WA has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Des Moines or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $89,787 in Des Moines, WA and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Des Moines, WA 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 Los Angeles?
Washington has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Des Moines income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Des Moines, WA is equivalent to roughly $123,089 in Los Angeles, 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