Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Des Moines is 9% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,054/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 1%
$63,966/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 27%
$183,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 34%
$1,137/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 11%
212,464
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,338/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Rochester — common questions

Is Des Moines or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Rochester?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Rochester?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $17,338/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New York?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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