Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Chandler is 91% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,806/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
$103,691/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 38%
$469,800 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 61%
$1,743/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
278,123
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $752/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,024/year.

Median household income is $39,725/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Chandler 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Des Moines?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $752/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Des Moines?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $39,725/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Iowa?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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