Is Des Moines or Long Beach more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while Long Beach is $1,800/month. Des Moines is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs Long Beach, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and Long Beach.
3
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Long Beach wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
CA
Long Beach
Overview
214,133
Population
466,742
$57,000
Median Income
+8.8%$61,988✓
Cost of Living
$1,000✓
Median Rent / mo
+80.0%$1,800
$220,000✓
Median Home Price
+209.1%$680,000
21%
Rent-to-Income %
35%
Taxes
3.90%✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
10.25%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
71°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
57°F
204 days
Sunny Days / Year
287 days✓
36"
Annual Rainfall
13"
Who should choose
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is a city in Iowa with a population of 214,133.
Read full Des Moines guide →Who should choose
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach is a city in California with a population of 466,742.
Read full Long Beach guide →Des Moines vs Long Beach — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or Long Beach?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Des Moines wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and Long Beach?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. Long Beach gets 287 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in Long Beach: 71°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or Long Beach?
Des Moines. Long Beach. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.