2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
West Des Moines, IA vs La Mesa, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in La Mesa or is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines?
- La Mesa is 78.9% more expensive than West Des Moines.

Which city has more affordable housing, La Mesa or West Des Moines?
- La Mesa housing costs are 176.5% more expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines or is Health Care more affordable in La Mesa.
- Health related expenses are 13.1% less in La Mesa.
 West Des Moines, IALa Mesa, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries99.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing91.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$737,200$338,100
 Utilities89  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock119.9100
 Miscellaneous112.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 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 16 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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Reviews for La Mesa    9 Reviews

The same San Diego prices and high taxes, but not the nice weather. 15 degrees hotter than the coast. Save the money and move to AZ if you like the climate in La Mesa.  More

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I now live in Wyoming but I was a third generation San Diegan, my maternal grandmother having been born on Coronado Island in 1894. If you are a new arrival to the  More

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I Need Correct Information I lived there Over 20 Years  More

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