Median rent is 41% lower in West Des Moines ($1,194/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in West Des Moines, where the median home runs $286,300 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $84,925 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
Temple City, 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 Temple City, CA?
Equivalent salary in West Des Moines, IA
$75,069
You'd need $69 more (0% 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
Temple City
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 $2,034/mo in Temple City, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple City: the median home is $930,200 versus $286,300 in West Des Moines — 69% 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).
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
West Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/yr).
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 Temple City cheaper than West Des Moines?
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 Temple City vs West Des Moines?
Median rent is $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA and $1,194/mo in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Temple City or West Des Moines?
Median household income is $102,449 in Temple City, CA and $84,925 in West Des Moines, IA. 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 — Temple City 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 Temple City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Temple City, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,091 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