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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Des Moines is 19% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,054/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 5%
$63,966/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 28%
$183,700 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 32%
$1,137/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 14%
212,464
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $18,121/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Des Moines or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Syracuse?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Syracuse?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $18,121/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 Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Syracuse

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville