Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Des Moines is 17% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,054/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 24%
$63,966/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 11%
$183,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$225,200 ↑ 23%
$1,137/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 11%
212,464
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $7,184/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Savannah slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Savannah — common questions

Is Des Moines or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Savannah?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Savannah?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $7,184/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Georgia?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Savannah has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,302/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Savannah details →

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