Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

New York is 137% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,779/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 41%
$79,713/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 20%
$751,700 ↑ 309%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 76%
$1,837/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 38%
8,516,202
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $725/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,700/year.

Median household income is $15,747/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Des Moines — common questions

Is New York 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 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Des Moines?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $725/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Des Moines?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $15,747/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Iowa?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Des Moines details →

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