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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Jacksonville is 31% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,375/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 23%
$66,981/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 5%
$266,100 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 31%
$1,324/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 14%
961,739
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $3,015/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Jacksonville 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 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Des Moines?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Des Moines?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $3,015/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Iowa?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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.
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More Comparisons

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