Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Jersey City is 111% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,902/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
$94,813/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 33%
$534,500 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 66%
$2,006/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 43%
289,691
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $30,847/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 Jersey City and Des Moines?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Des Moines?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $30,847/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Iowa?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Des Moines details →

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