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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Scottsdale is 136% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,910/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
$107,372/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 40%
$709,900 ↑ 286%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 74%
$1,824/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 38%
242,169
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

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $43,406/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Des Moines?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Des Moines?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $43,406/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Des Moines details →

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