47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Des Moines wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Des Moines wins 1–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Des Moines is more affordable
💼 Des Moines has lower unemployment
🛡️ Des Moines has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Des Moines — The Verdict
Des Moines scores 72.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Des Moines has a clear edge with home prices 79% lower. Des Moines has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.5%. For safety-conscious movers, Des Moines has a notably lower disaster history with 44 fewer declarations in 20 years. Des Moines may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Des Moines are 79% lower — a difference of $651,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Des Moines saves you $796/month — that's $9,552 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $13,866 more per year (22% higher median income).
📊
Des Moines has a 2.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Des Moines has experienced 44 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$170,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$995
Median Income
$76,244
$62,378
The affordability gap is significant — Des Moines offers home prices 79% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $651,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.5%
Des Moines has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 2 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
56 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
10
Des Moines has a markedly lower disaster history — 44 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is more affordable overall. Home prices are $651,900 lower in Des Moines. Monthly rent is $995 in Des Moines vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Des Moines have better weather?
Des Moines scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Des Moines better for finding a job?
Des Moines currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.5% in Des Moines. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $62,378 in Des Moines.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Des Moines?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Des Moines is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Des Moines. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Des Moines.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Des Moines?
Based on our data, Des Moines scores 72.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Des Moines is more affordable, while Des Moines has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Des Moines?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.