Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Pompano Beach, FL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Pompano Beach

Florida
109

Des Moines is 36% cheaper than Pompano Beach.

$1,054/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,636/mo ↑ 55%
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,832/yr ≈ Same
$183,700 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$321,900 ↑ 75%
$1,137/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,527/mo ↑ 34%
212,464
Population
112,212

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
30.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Pompano Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $134/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $321,900 in Pompano Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Pompano Beach — common questions

Is Des Moines or Pompano Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Pompano Beach?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Pompano Beach it's $1,636/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Pompano Beach?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $63,832 in Pompano Beach. Median household income is $134/year higher in Des Moines.
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 Pompano Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Pompano Beach has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,636/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Pompano Beach details →

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