Home / Select Cities  /  2024 Comparing West Des Moines, IA vs. San Mateo, CA

2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
West Des Moines, IA vs San Mateo, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Mateo or is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines?
- San Mateo is 188.7% more expensive than West Des Moines.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Mateo or West Des Moines?
- San Mateo housing costs are 486.9% more expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines or is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo.
- Health related expenses are 14.6% more in San Mateo.
 West Des Moines, IASan Mateo, CAUnited States
 Overall86.6250.0100
 Food & Groceries99.7116.7100
 Health102.4117.4100
 Housing91.6537.6100
 Median Home Cost$282,300$1,378,900$338,100
 Utilities8,930.0%9,190.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation71.3143.4100
 Miscellaneous112.5161.7100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

View More Data >

Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

   |    Reply

We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of West Des Moines

Reviews for San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

   |    Reply

I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Mateo

 Most Recent Searches On Compare Cities
COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare West Des Moines, Iowa Cost of Living vs San Mateo, California Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
Compare Now


ZIPS IN WEST DES MOINES, IOWA
50265 50266
ZIPS IN SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA
94403 94401 94402

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.

Try Now