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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Des Moines is 26% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,054/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 42%
$63,966/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 3%
$183,700 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 43%
$1,137/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 17%
212,464
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $1,636/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Des Moines or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $1,636/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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Lehigh Acres details →

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