Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Des Moines is 44% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 82%
$63,966/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 46%
$183,700 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 116%
$1,137/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 40%
212,464
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $29,405/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Surprise — common questions

Is Des Moines or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Surprise?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $29,405/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Arizona?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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