Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Tallahassee, FL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Tallahassee

Florida
87

Des Moines is 20% cheaper than Tallahassee.

$1,054/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,238/mo ↑ 17%
$63,966/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,931/yr ↓ 13%
$183,700 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$276,000 ↑ 50%
$1,137/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,237/mo ↑ 9%
212,464
Population
199,696

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Tallahassee, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $8,035/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $276,000 in Tallahassee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Tallahassee — common questions

Is Des Moines or Tallahassee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Tallahassee?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Tallahassee it's $1,238/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Tallahassee?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $55,931 in Tallahassee. Median household income is $8,035/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Florida?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Tallahassee?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Tallahassee has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,238/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Tallahassee details →

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