Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Paradise, NV (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Paradise

Nevada
99

Des Moines is 29% cheaper than Paradise.

$1,054/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,287/mo ↑ 22%
$63,966/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$58,874/yr ↓ 8%
$183,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$358,400 ↑ 95%
$1,137/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,290/mo ↑ 13%
212,464
Population
186,178

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Paradise, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $5,092/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $358,400 in Paradise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Paradise — common questions

Is Des Moines or Paradise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Paradise?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Paradise it's $1,287/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Paradise?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $58,874 in Paradise. Median household income is $5,092/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Nevada?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Paradise?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Paradise has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,287/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Paradise details →

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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 Paradise vs. Tempe Paradise vs. Mobile Paradise vs. Brownsville Paradise vs. Newport News Paradise vs. Akron Paradise vs. Shreveport