Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Anchorage is 61% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,453/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 27%
$98,152/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 35%
$375,900 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 51%
$1,698/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 33%
289,069
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $34,186/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Anchorage or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Des Moines?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Des Moines?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $34,186/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Iowa?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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