Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Virginia Beach is 67% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,649/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 36%
$90,685/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 29%
$366,300 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 50%
$1,704/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 33%
457,066
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $595/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,140/year.

Median household income is $26,719/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Virginia Beach 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Des Moines?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $595/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Des Moines?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $26,719/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Iowa?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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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