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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Newark is 43% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,330/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 21%
$48,416/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 32%
$337,800 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 46%
$1,419/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 20%
307,188
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

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $15,550/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Des Moines?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Des Moines?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $15,550/year higher in Des Moines.
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 Newark or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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