đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Ankeny and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Ankeny vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Ankeny | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $105,862 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $323,500 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $214 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $787 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 86.1 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.1 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 301.8 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | — | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Ankeny: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
You’re standing at a crossroads, and the two paths couldn’t look more different. On one side, you have San Diego, California—the sun-drenched, coastal metropolis where the vibe is strictly "laid-back" and the price tag is strictly "sticker shock." On the other, Ankeny, Iowa—a booming, family-friendly suburb of Des Moines where the pace is steady, the community is tight-knit, and your dollar stretches like taffy.
This isn’t just a choice between a city and a town. It’s a choice between lifestyles, climates, and financial futures. As a relocation expert who’s dug deep into the data, I’m here to tell you that while San Diego might be the dream, Ankeny might be the smart play. Let’s break it down.
The Vibe Check: Coastal Cool vs. Heartland Heart
San Diego is the person at the party who’s effortlessly cool, tan, and knows the best taco spot. This is a city defined by its 70 miles of coastline, a massive military presence, and a tech/biotech economy that hums with innovation. The lifestyle is outdoorsy and active. You don’t just live here; you surf, hike, bike, and brunch in a constant state of "golden hour." It’s cosmopolitan, diverse, and has a cultural scene that includes world-class museums and a legendary zoo. It’s for the person who values experiences over possessions and is willing to pay a premium for the privilege of calling a postcard home.
Ankeny is the reliable friend who shows up with a casserole, remembers your birthday, and plans a fantastic potluck. Located just 13 miles north of Des Moines, Ankeny is the definition of a modern Midwestern suburb. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, attracting young families and professionals with its top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and insane affordability. The vibe is community-focused, clean, and orderly. Think farmer’s markets, well-maintained parks, and a downtown that’s more about family-owned cafes than nightclubs. It’s for the person who values community, stability, and a balanced life without the chaos of a major coastal metro.
Who is each city for?
- San Diego: The adventurer, the foodie, the beach bum, the biotech engineer, and anyone who believes $2,300 for a 1-BR apartment is a reasonable cost of doing business.
- Ankeny: The planner, the family-builder, the budget-conscious professional, and anyone who wants four distinct seasons and a backyard without taking out a second mortgage.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Actually Means Something
This is where the rubber meets the road. On paper, the median incomes are shockingly similar. San Diego's median income is $105,780 and Ankeny's is $105,862. A mere $82 difference. But in the real world, that similarity is a cruel illusion. Let’s talk purchasing power.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | San Diego, CA | Ankeny, IA | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-BR) | $2,248 | $787 | $1,461/month |
| Utilities | ~$250 | ~$180 | San Diego is 38% higher |
| Groceries | ~15% above nat'l avg | ~5% below nat'l avg | Significant savings in Ankeny |
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $323,500 | $606,500 difference |
Salary Wars: The $100k Illusion
If you earn a six-figure salary in Ankeny, you feel like a king. Your housing costs are a fraction of your income, allowing for massive savings, investments, and disposable income for travel and hobbies. You can afford a beautiful home, two cars, and a comfortable life with money left over.
If you earn that same $100k in San Diego, you’re considered "middle class," but your budget is strained. After taxes, rent, and basic expenses, you’re likely saving a fraction of what your Midwestern counterpart is. The "California Tax Bite" is real: state income tax can take up to 9.3% of your income (for the bracket you’d be in), whereas Iowa has a progressive system topping out at 6.5%. The lack of a state income tax in nearby Texas would be a game-changer, but here, you’re paying a premium for the weather.
Verdict: For sheer purchasing power, Ankeny is the undisputed champion. Your money doesn't just go further; it multiplies. San Diego is where you go to spend your money on experiences; Ankeny is where you go to build wealth.
The Housing Market: A Tale of Two Extremes
San Diego: The Seller’s Paradise (Buyer’s Nightmare)
The housing market here is a pressure cooker. With a Housing Index of 185.8 (where 100 is the national average), everything is nearly 86% more expensive than the typical U.S. city. The median home price of $930,000 isn't a mansion—it's often a 1,500 sq. ft. home built in the 1960s, likely needing updates.
- Buying: You’ll face intense competition, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Saving for a 20% down payment ($186,000) is a monumental task for most. It’s a market for high-earning couples or those with family money.
- Renting: It’s the default option for most. The $2,248 rent for a 1-BR is actually below the city’s average, which is closer to $2,500+. Competition is fierce, and landlords often require high credit scores and proof of substantial income.
Ankeny: The Balanced Market (Buyer’s Opportunity)
With a Housing Index of 86.1, Ankeny is 14% below the national average for cost. The median home price of $323,500 gets you a modern, 3-4 bedroom single-family home in a safe neighborhood with a yard—often in a new development. It’s a market that actually works for the median-income earner.
- Buying: The path to homeownership is clear and achievable. With a $64,700 down payment (20%), you’re looking at a manageable mortgage. Inventory is healthier, and while it’s a seller’s market in desirable parts of the Midwest, it’s not cutthroat like San Diego.
- Renting: At $787, renting is incredibly affordable. It’s a fantastic way to save aggressively for a down payment. You can rent a nice apartment and still save a thousand dollars a month more than your San Diego counterpart.
Verdict: If homeownership is a key life goal, Ankeny wins by a landslide. San Diego’s market is for the wealthy or the patient; Ankeny’s is for the determined and the practical.
The Dealbreakers: Weather, Traffic, and Safety
Weather: The "No-Brainer" vs. The "Seasonal Shock"
- San Diego: 57°F is the annual average, but the reality is more nuanced. The "May Gray" and "June Gloom" (morning clouds) are real. Summers are warm but rarely scorching, thanks to the marine layer. It’s mild, dry, and consistently pleasant. The biggest weather "con" is the lack of seasons and the constant wildfire risk.
- Ankeny: 27°F is the annual average, which tells the brutal story. You get four distinct seasons: a gorgeous, green spring; a hot, humid summer (often in the 90s); a stunning, crisp fall; and a long, cold, snowy winter. Snowplows are your best friend, and a winter coat is a non-negotiable investment. If you hate cold and snow, this is a dealbreaker.
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is a part of life. The I-5 and I-15 are legendary for congestion. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes. Public transit (trolley/bus) exists but is less comprehensive than in older East Coast cities.
- Ankeny: Traffic is almost a foreign concept. The commute to Des Moines is a breeze, typically 20-30 minutes without the nightmare congestion. The city is built for cars, with wide roads and easy parking. This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Violent crime rate: 378.0 per 100,000. While safer than many major metros, it’s significantly higher than the U.S. average (~380). Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood—some areas are idyllic, others less so.
- Ankeny: Violent crime rate: 301.8 per 100,000. This is below the national average and reflects its reputation as a safe, family-oriented community. It’s a place where you feel comfortable letting your kids bike around the neighborhood.
Verdict: For weather, it’s personal preference (San Diego wins for mildness). For traffic and safety, Ankeny is the clear winner.
The Final Verdict: Who Should You Choose?
After crunching the numbers and living the data, here’s my unfiltered take.
🏆 Winner for Families: Ankeny
The math is undeniable. With top-tier schools, incredibly safe streets, affordable homes with yards, and a community built around family life, Ankeny offers a stable, enriching environment where your income isn’t devoured by housing costs. You can save for college and take real vacations.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego (if you can afford it)
If your career is in tech, biotech, or defense, and your social life thrives on outdoor activities, networking events, and a vibrant cultural scene, San Diego is irreplaceable. The "vibe" is a real economic asset for networking and innovation. Just know you’ll likely be renting for a long time.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Ankeny
Unless your retirement plan is "beach every day," Ankeny offers a safer, more affordable, and community-focused retirement. Your savings will last decades longer, healthcare is accessible, and the slow pace is conducive to a relaxed retirement. San Diego’s high costs could drain a fixed income quickly.
San Diego: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- World-class weather and beaches
- Thriving job market (biotech, tech, military)
- Incredible food scene and cultural amenities
- Outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty
Cons:
- Extremely high cost of living (housing is the #1 issue)
- High state income taxes
- Competitive, stressful housing market
- Traffic congestion
Ankeny: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Phenomenal cost of living (your salary goes 2-3x further)
- Safe, family-friendly, and community-oriented
- Easy commute and minimal traffic
- Achievable homeownership
Cons:
- Harsh, long winters with significant snow
- Limited cultural/nightlife compared to a major metro
- Less geographic and career diversity
- Can feel "suburban" or "homogeneous" to some
The Bottom Line: Choose San Diego if you’re chasing a specific career or lifestyle and have the financial means to support it. Choose Ankeny if you’re building a life, a family, or a nest egg and want your hard work to translate into real security and freedom. One is a dream vacation; the other is a smart life plan. Which one are you ready for?