Is Des Moines or San Francisco more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while San Francisco is $2,130/month. Des Moines is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and San Francisco.
4
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Francisco wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
CA
San Francisco
Overview
214,133
Population
865,933
$57,000
Median Income
+121.4%$126,187✓
Cost of Living
$1,000✓
Median Rent / mo
+113.0%$2,130
$220,000✓
Median Home Price
+443.0%$1,194,500
21%
Rent-to-Income %
20%
Taxes
3.90%✓
State Income Tax
13.30%
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
55.62°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
48.76°F
204 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
N/A
36"
Annual Rainfall
N/A
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
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a city in California with a population of 865,933.
Read full San Francisco guide →Des Moines vs San Francisco — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or San Francisco?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. California has a 13.30% state income tax. Des Moines wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and San Francisco?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in San Francisco: 55.62°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or San Francisco?
Des Moines. San Francisco. 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.