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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Des Moines is 33% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,054/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 46%
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,440/yr ≈ Same
$183,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 78%
$1,137/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 24%
212,464
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $474/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Des Moines or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Clearwater?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Clearwater?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $474/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Clearwater details →

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