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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Glendale is 46% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,397/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 25%
$70,139/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 9%
$347,000 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 47%
$1,356/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 16%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $6,173/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Glendale 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Des Moines?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Des Moines?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $6,173/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Des Moines details →

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