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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Des Moines is 47% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,054/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 69%
$63,966/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 25%
$183,700 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 148%
$1,137/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 56%
212,464
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $722/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,664/year.

Median household income is $15,969/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Des Moines or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $722/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $15,969/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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