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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Des Moines is 23% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,054/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 41%
$63,966/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 6%
$183,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 35%
$1,137/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 6%
212,464
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $3,555/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Des Moines or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $3,555/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Palm Bay details →

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