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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Phoenix is 56% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,458/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
$77,041/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 17%
$381,900 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 52%
$1,430/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 20%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $404/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,848/year.

Median household income is $13,075/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Des Moines?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $404/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Des Moines?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $13,075/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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