Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Cape Coral, FL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Cape Coral

Florida
114

Des Moines is 39% cheaper than Cape Coral.

$1,054/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,751/mo ↑ 66%
$63,966/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,062/yr ↑ 19%
$183,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$339,200 ↑ 85%
$1,137/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,523/mo ↑ 34%
212,464
Population
206,387

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $697/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,364/year.

Median household income is $12,096/year higher in Cape Coral. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Cape Coral residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Des Moines or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 114 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Cape Coral?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $697/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Cape Coral?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $12,096/year higher in Cape Coral.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Florida?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Cape Coral?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Cape Coral details →

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