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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Gilbert is 111% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,028/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 48%
$121,351/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 47%
$518,600 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 65%
$1,908/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 40%
271,118
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $974/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $11,688/year.

Median household income is $57,385/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Gilbert or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Des Moines?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $974/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Des Moines?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $57,385/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Iowa?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Des Moines

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo 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