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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Mesa is 53% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,478/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 29%
$78,779/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 19%
$364,300 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 50%
$1,404/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 19%
507,478
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $14,813/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Des Moines?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Des Moines?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $14,813/year higher in Mesa.
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 Mesa or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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