Quick answer
Des Moines costs $925/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,615/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Long Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Des Moines vs Long Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $2,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $825K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $165 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $2,615 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 76/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% ✓ | 9.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Des Moines's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $900/month difference, or $10,800/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,600/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $116,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $5 more per month than Long Beach. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Long Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Des Moines if…
- →You're a Insurance and financial services professionals
- →You're a Families seeking excellent schools and safety
- →You're a Anyone valuing Midwestern hospitality and community
- →You're a Young professionals interested in startup culture
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $925/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Long Beach?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Long Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,600/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Des Moines or Long Beach better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $580,000 difference on the median home.