Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Des Moines is 44% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,054/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 57%
$63,966/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 36%
$183,700 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 148%
$1,137/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 42%
212,464
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $23,013/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Sparks — common questions

Is Des Moines or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Sparks?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Sparks?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $23,013/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Nevada?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Sparks details →

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