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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Des Moines is 15% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,054/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 23%
$63,966/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 5%
$183,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 25%
$1,137/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 1%
212,464
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $3,019/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Des Moines or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Lakeland?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Lakeland?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $3,019/year higher in Des Moines.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Lakeland details →

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