Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Des Moines is 11% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $66,750 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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