Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Atlanta is 74% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,617/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 35%
$81,938/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 22%
$420,600 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 56%
$1,695/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 33%
499,287
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $17,972/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Atlanta 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Des Moines?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Des Moines?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $17,972/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Iowa?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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.
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