Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Pembroke Pines, FL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Pembroke Pines

Florida
130

Des Moines is 46% cheaper than Pembroke Pines.

$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 81%
$63,966/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$81,675/yr ↑ 28%
$183,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$411,700 ↑ 124%
$1,137/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,717/mo ↑ 51%
212,464
Population
170,557

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
28.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Pembroke Pines, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $17,709/year higher in Pembroke Pines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $411,700 in Pembroke Pines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Pembroke Pines — common questions

Is Des Moines or Pembroke Pines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Pembroke Pines?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Pembroke Pines it's $1,910/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Pembroke Pines?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $81,675 in Pembroke Pines. Median household income is $17,709/year higher in Pembroke Pines.
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 Pembroke Pines?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Pembroke Pines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Pembroke Pines

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 Pembroke Pines vs. Garden Grove Pembroke Pines vs. Lancaster Pembroke Pines vs. Clarksville Pembroke Pines vs. Fort Collins Pembroke Pines vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Springfield