Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Des Moines is 26% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,054/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 37%
$63,966/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 16%
$183,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$249,000 ↑ 36%
$1,137/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 34%
212,464
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $10,195/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs New Haven — common questions

Is Des Moines or New Haven 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 New Haven?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or New Haven?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $10,195/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Connecticut?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View New Haven details →

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