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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Des Moines is 32% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,054/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 52%
$63,966/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 28%
$183,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 47%
$1,137/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 36%
212,464
Population
109,157

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $17,832/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Des Moines or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and South Fulton?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or South Fulton?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $17,832/year higher in South Fulton.
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 South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View South Fulton details →

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