Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Toledo is 26% cheaper than Des Moines.

$880/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 20%
$47,532/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 35%
$107,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$183,700 ↑ 72%
$856/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 33%
268,461
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $16,434/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Toledo or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Des Moines?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Des Moines?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $16,434/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Iowa?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Toledo and Des Moines

Toledo vs. Reno Toledo vs. Fort Wayne Toledo vs. North Las Vegas Toledo vs. Lubbock Toledo vs. Gilbert Toledo vs. St. Petersburg Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco