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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Riverview

Florida
122

Des Moines is 43% cheaper than Riverview.

$1,054/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,890/mo ↑ 79%
$63,966/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$95,442/yr ↑ 49%
$183,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$341,200 ↑ 86%
$1,137/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,767/mo ↑ 55%
212,464
Population
107,776

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Riverview, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $836/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,032/year.

Median household income is $31,476/year higher in Riverview. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $341,200 in Riverview.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Riverview — common questions

Is Des Moines or Riverview cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Riverview?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Riverview it's $1,890/month — a difference of $836/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Riverview?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $95,442 in Riverview. Median household income is $31,476/year higher in Riverview.
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 Riverview?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Riverview has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,890/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Riverview details →

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