CostByCity

Des Moines, IA vs Santa Maria, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Des Moines, IA is more affordable by 17.1 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryDes Moines, IASanta Maria, CADifference
Overall91.7108.8-17.1
Housing84.7151.4-66.7
Goods93.7105.2-11.4
Utilities84.6149.8-65.2
Other Services92.9100.3-7.3

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricDes Moines, IASanta Maria, CA
Median Household Income$81,103$92,332
Median Home Value$235,800$714,800
Median Monthly Rent$1,063$1,964
Per Capita Income$42,742$44,635

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Des Moines, IA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Des Moines, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 17.1 index points (Des Moines, IA: 91.7, Santa Maria, CA: 108.8).
Where is housing cheaper, Des Moines, IA or Santa Maria, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Des Moines, IA. Housing index: Des Moines, IA (84.7) vs Santa Maria, CA (151.4).