Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Des Moines is 34% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 38%
$63,966/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 16%
$183,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 83%
$1,137/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 37%
212,464
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $10,200/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Paterson — common questions

Is Des Moines or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Paterson?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Paterson?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $10,200/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Jersey?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Paterson details →

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