2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Mission Viejo, CA vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Are people in West Des Moines older or younger than people in Mission Viejo?
- The Median Age in West Des Moines is 9.6 years younger than in Mission Viejo.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Des Moines or Mission Viejo?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 70.1% less expensive than Mission Viejo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Des Moines or Mission Viejo?
- The average commute for residents of West Des Moines is 10.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Mission Viejo.

Things to do in Mission Viejo?
Mission Viejo, California is a suburban city located in Orange County. It's peaceful atmosphere provides plenty of opportunities to explore attractions such as the Mission Viejo Mall and the OC Zoo at Irvine Park. After exploring, sample delicious food from eateries like Kabab House or Taste of India. With its many sights and exciting experiences, Mission Viejo is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation!

Things to do in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the greater Des Moines area. This lively town offers an array of exciting attractions for visitors to explore such as the beautiful Living History Farms or the thrilling Adventureland Amusement Park. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Raccoon River or Water Works Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and wide range of recreational activities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make West Des Moines their home.

 Mission Viejo, CAWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock67,640329,725,481
 Median Income$126,320  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$943,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time27.76  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Mission Viejo    22 Reviews

Beautiful, but for the wealthy. If you make less than 150K, you won't be able to afford to live here. Even for Southern California, MV is off-the-chart expensive. A  More

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Over 13 years ago

Mission Viejo does not charge a business license tax for businesses located in the community and home-based businesses are allowed under current zoning laws as long as  More

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Please give me your advisese i need to know how is the best place to live near los angeles, safe, earthquakes, snakes, best schools, no racism, etc...,i donĀ“t know  More

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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 17 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

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Over 17 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

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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

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