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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Pittsburgh is 9% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,221/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 14%
$64,137/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
$193,200 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 5%
$1,136/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ≈ Same
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $171/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Pittsburgh 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Des Moines?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Des Moines?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $171/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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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