Des Moines, IA vs Santa Cruz, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Des Moines, IA is more affordable by 18.2 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Des Moines, IA | Santa Cruz, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 91.7 | 109.9 | -18.2 |
| Housing | 84.7 | 164.3 | -79.6 |
| Goods | 93.7 | 105.2 | -11.4 |
| Utilities | 84.6 | 152.7 | -68.1 |
| Other Services | 92.9 | 100.3 | -7.3 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $81,103 | $104,409 |
| Median Home Value | $235,800 | $951,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,063 | $2,094 |
| Per Capita Income | $42,742 | $52,887 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines, IA or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Des Moines, IA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 18.2 index points (Des Moines, IA: 91.7, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Des Moines, IA or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Des Moines, IA. Housing index: Des Moines, IA (84.7) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).