Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Des Moines is 11% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,054/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 20%
$63,966/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 17%
$183,700 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 3%
$1,137/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
212,464
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $10,563/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Allentown — common questions

Is Des Moines or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Allentown?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Allentown?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $10,563/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Pennsylvania?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Allentown details →

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