Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Tampa is 61% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,567/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 33%
$71,302/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 10%
$375,300 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 51%
$1,553/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 27%
393,389
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $7,336/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Tampa 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Des Moines?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Des Moines?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $7,336/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Iowa?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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