Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Philadelphia is 21% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,323/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
$60,698/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 5%
$232,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 21%
$1,233/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 8%
1,582,432
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $3,268/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Des Moines?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Des Moines?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $3,268/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Iowa?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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