Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Des Moines is 38% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 39%
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,874/yr ≈ Same
$183,700 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 114%
$1,137/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 36%
212,464
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $92/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Des Moines or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $92/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Jersey?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Elizabeth details →

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