Median rent is 36% lower in West Des Moines ($1,194/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in West Des Moines, where the median home runs $286,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in West Des Moines ($84,925 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, West 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 West Des Moines, IA.
Quick verdict
West Des Moines is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.1 in West Des Moines vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US 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
$60,932
You could earn $14,068 less (19% 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
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in West Des Moines — median rent of $1,194/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $286,300 in West Des Moines — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 5.70% in Iowa, so West Des Moines is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Iowa; West Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
West Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for West Des Moines.
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.1 vs 113.3).
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,194/mo median).
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.70%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than West Des Moines?
West 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 West Des Moines.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs West Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,194/mo in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or West Des Moines?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $84,925 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.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or West Des Moines?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Iowa's is 5.70%. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in West Des Moines to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $81,242 in West Des Moines, IA (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