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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Des Moines is 39% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,054/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 62%
$63,966/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 5%
$183,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 84%
$1,137/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 44%
212,464
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $2,987/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Des Moines or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $2,987/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Miami Gardens

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula