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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Petaluma or is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines?
- Petaluma is 75.3% more expensive than West Des Moines.

Which city has more affordable housing, Petaluma or West Des Moines?
- Petaluma housing costs are 207.5% more expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines or is Health Care more affordable in Petaluma.
- Health related expenses are 7.7% more in Petaluma.
 West Des Moines, IAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock151.8100
 Food & Groceries99.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.3100
 Housing91.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$839,600$338,100
 Utilities89  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock113.1100
 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 Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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