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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Yonkers

New York
133

Des Moines is 63% cheaper than Yonkers.

$1,054/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,730/mo ↑ 64%
$63,966/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$81,816/yr ↑ 28%
$183,700 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$478,000 ↑ 160%
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,759/mo ↑ 55%
212,464
Population
209,529

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Yonkers, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 133 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $676/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,112/year.

Median household income is $17,850/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $478,000 in Yonkers.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Yonkers — common questions

Is Des Moines or Yonkers cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Yonkers?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Yonkers it's $1,730/month — a difference of $676/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Yonkers?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $81,816 in Yonkers. Median household income is $17,850/year higher in Yonkers.
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 Yonkers?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with rent of $1,730/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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