Ankeny vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Ankeny	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$105,862	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$323,500	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$214	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$787	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	86.1	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	301.8	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	—	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	52

The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Los Angeles vs. Ankeny

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, the glitz, grit, and relentless energy of Los Angeles—the city of dreams, traffic jams, and eternal sunshine. On the other, the quiet, orderly, and shockingly affordable streets of Ankeny, Iowa—a fast-growing suburb that feels a world away from the coastal chaos.

Choosing between these two is like deciding between a high-stakes poker game and a sure-fire savings bond. One promises astronomical highs and crushing lows; the other offers steady, reliable growth. As your relocation expert and data journalist, I’m here to cut through the noise. We’re going to break this down with brutal honesty, hard numbers, and a healthy dose of real-world perspective. Grab your coffee; let’s see which city truly deserves your next chapter.

The Vibe Check: Where Do You Fit In?

First, let’s talk about the soul of these places. This isn't just about amenities; it's about the air you breathe and the pace you'll keep.

Los Angeles is the definition of a high-octane, global metropolis. It’s not just a city; it’s an ecosystem. The vibe is a cocktail of relentless ambition, cultural diversity, and sun-drenched sprawl. You’re talking about a place where you can grab authentic tacos from a truck in Boyle Heights, hike to the Hollywood Sign before work, and catch a world-class concert at the Hollywood Bowl—all in the same day. It’s for the dreamers, the hustlers, and those who thrive on the energy of millions. If your identity is tied to industries like entertainment, tech, fashion, or international business, LA is the gravitational center. It’s for people who say, “I’d rather pay a premium to be in the action” and accept the chaos that comes with it.

Ankeny, on the other hand, is the epitome of quiet, Midwestern reliability. It’s a family-centric suburb with a small-town feel that’s rapidly expanding. The vibe is orderly, safe, and unpretentious. Think top-rated schools, manicured parks, and a community where neighbors know each other. It’s a place where you can buy a spacious home with a big backyard for less than a down payment on an LA studio. Ankeny is for the pragmatists—the young families looking for stability, the professionals in fields like finance, healthcare, or engineering who work remotely or for the many corporate giants with massive Iowa footprints (think Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, or John Deere). It’s for those who prioritize community, safety, and financial breathing room over the non-stop buzz of a major coastal city.

Verdict: If you crave the spotlight and a constant stream of new experiences, Los Angeles is your stage. If you value peace, community, and a simpler, more predictable life, Ankeny is your sanctuary.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. We’re going to look at the raw cost of living and then apply a real-world lens.

Cost of Living Breakdown

To give you a clear apples-to-apples comparison, here’s a snapshot of everyday expenses. The data is stark.

Category	Los Angeles	Ankeny	The Difference
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$323,500	3.1x more in LA
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$787	2.6x more in LA
Housing Index	173.0	86.1	101% higher in LA
Median Income	$79,701	$105,862	Ankeny is 33% higher
Violent Crime/100k	732.5	301.8	2.4x higher in LA
Avg. Temp (°F)	54.0	27.0	27° warmer in LA

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Here’s the kicker that most people miss. Let’s say you earn $100,000 in both cities.

• In Los Angeles, with a median income of $79,701, you’re earning above the city average, but the cost of living is 173.0—the housing index alone is a monster. That $100k feels like approximately $58,000 after adjusting for the cost of living (using a COL calculator). Your biggest expense, housing, will consume a massive chunk of your budget. You’re in a high-tax state (California’s income tax can hit 12.3% for top earners), and while you have high earning potential, your daily dollar stretches very thin.
• In Ankeny, with a median income of $105,862, you’re right at the average. But the cost of living is 86.1—dramatically lower. That same $100k feels like $116,000 when adjusted for local prices. You’re in a state with 0% state income tax (Iowa), which is a massive, immediate raise. Your take-home pay is higher, and your expenses are lower. The math is undeniable: Ankeny offers superior purchasing power.

Insight: In LA, you pay a premium to be there. In Ankeny, you get paid a premium to live a comfortable life. If financial breathing room is a priority, Ankeny isn’t just better; it’s in a completely different league.

The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Los Angeles: The Perpetual Seller’s Market.
Buying in LA is a high-stakes battle. With a median home price over $1 million, the barrier to entry is astronomical. You’re often competing with all-cash offers, investors, and deep-pocketed buyers. Renting is the default for most, but even that is punishing. The rental market is fiercely competitive, with prices reflecting the scarcity of available units. You’re not just paying for a roof; you’re paying for the zip code, the access, the lifestyle. It’s a classic "deal with the devil" scenario: you get the location, but you sacrifice space, savings, and often, your sanity.

Ankeny: The Accessible Opportunity.
The Ankeny housing market is a breath of fresh air. With a median home price of $323,500, homeownership is a realistic goal for middle-class professionals. The market is active, but it’s not the cutthroat frenzy you see in coastal metros. You can find a modern 3-4 bedroom home with a yard for the price of a tiny condo in LA. Renting is also incredibly affordable, giving young people and newcomers a low-risk way to test the waters. While inventory can be tight in the most desirable neighborhoods, it’s a far cry from the desperation of the LA market. It’s a buyer’s (or renter’s) market by LA standards.

Verdict: For housing accessibility and value, Ankeny wins by a landslide. LA’s market is for those with deep pockets or a specific, non-negotiable career reason to be there.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Los Angeles: Legendary. The 405, the 101, the 110—they’re not just roads; they’re time vampires. The average commute in LA can easily be 45-60 minutes each way. In a car-centric city with inadequate public transit, your life is often measured in miles per hour, not minutes. It’s a daily stressor that wears you down.
• Ankeny: Minimal. You’re talking about a 15-20 minute commute to downtown Des Moines, with almost no traffic. Most errands are a quick 5-10 minute drive. The time you save on commuting is time you get back for family, hobbies, or just relaxing. It’s a massive lifestyle upgrade.

Weather

• Los Angeles: The "gold standard" of mild climates. An average of 54°F year-round, with abundant sunshine. You can enjoy outdoor activities almost daily. The downside? It’s a desert climate—dry, with occasional heatwaves, and a lack of seasonal change that some find monotonous.
• Ankeny: Seasonal and dramatic. The average of 27°F tells only part of the story. You’ll experience all four seasons in full color: beautiful springs, hot summers, and stunning autumns. But you must brace for real winters with snow, ice, and sub-zero temps. If you hate the cold, this is a major dealbreaker. If you love distinct seasons, it’s a paradise.

Crime & Safety

• Los Angeles: The data speaks for itself. With a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100k, it’s significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a pervasive concern that influences where you live, where you park, and how you navigate the city.
• Ankeny: Exceptionally safe. A violent crime rate of 301.8 per 100k is well below the national average. It’s the kind of place where people feel comfortable letting their kids play outside and leaving their doors unlocked (though not advised). Safety is a core part of the community’s appeal.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?

After weighing the data, the costs, and the lifestyle factors, here’s the definitive breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Ankeny
It’s not even a contest. The combination of top-rated schools, extremely affordable housing, low crime, and minimal traffic creates an ideal environment for raising children. You can own a home, save for college, and enjoy a strong community—all on a reasonable salary. LA’s pressures and costs make it a punishing place for most families.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles
If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, single, and in a field like entertainment, tech, or creative arts, LA’s unparalleled networking, social scene, and career opportunities are worth the premium. The "pay-to-play" model is the cost of entry for the global stage. Ankeny’s social life, while friendly, pales in comparison.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Ankeny
Retirement is about stretching your savings. With a lower cost of living, no state income tax on Social Security or pensions, and a calm, safe environment, Ankeny allows your nest egg to go much further. LA’s high taxes, costs, and urban stress are antithetical to a peaceful retirement for most.

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Los Angeles: The Final Tally

Pros:

• Unmatched Career Opportunities in global industries.
• World-Class Culture & Entertainment at your doorstep.
• Perfect Weather year-round.
• Incredible Culinary & Diversity scene.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost of Living and crippling housing prices.
• Brutal Traffic & Long Commutes.
• High Crime Rates compared to national averages.
• Intense Competition in every aspect of life.

Ankeny: The Final Tally

Pros:

• Phenomenal Purchasing Power and affordability.
• Exceptional Safety & Strong Community.
• Top-Tier Public Schools.
• Short Commutes & Easy Access to amenities.

Cons:

• Harsh Winters with significant snow and cold.
• Limited Cultural & Nightlife Scene compared to major metros.
• Fewer High-Paying Job Opportunities in niche creative fields.
• Less Diversity and a more homogenous community feel.

The Bottom Line: This isn’t about which city is "better" in a vacuum. It’s about which city is better for you and your specific goals. If your dream is to chase the spotlight and you’re willing to sacrifice financial comfort for the chance to be in the epicenter of culture and ambition, Los Angeles is calling. If your dream is to build a stable, secure, and comfortable life where your money goes further and your stress levels drop, Ankeny is your answer. Choose wisely.