Median rent is 36% lower in West Des Moines ($1,237/mo vs $1,933/mo). Buying is cheaper in West Des Moines, where the median home runs $309,000 versus $921,200. Households earn more in West Des Moines ($86,594 vs $81,939 a year). Taken together, West Des Moines is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.8 against 114.7 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in West Des Moines, IA.
Cost of living verdict
West Des Moines is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 92.8 in West Des Moines vs 114.7 in Los Angeles (US national average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
West Des Moines, IA
How much would you need to earn in West Des Moines, IA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in West Des Moines, IA
$60,623
You could earn $14,377 less (19% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
West Des Moines
Iowa
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in West Des Moines — median rent of $1,237/mo versus $1,933/mo in Los Angeles, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $921,200 versus $309,000 in West Des Moines — 66% more expensive.
Metric
Los Angeles
West Des Moines
Software Developer
Registered Nurse
Elementary Teacher
Electrician
Accountant
Higher wage highlighted · BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Los Angeles
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
West Des Moines
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 31.0) but not yet for West Des Moines.
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.8 vs 114.7).
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,237/mo median).
West Des Moines is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.8 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in West Des Moines.
Median rent is $1,933/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,237/mo in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 36%.
Median household income is $81,939 in Los Angeles, CA and $86,594 in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $80,830 in West Des Moines, IA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
