Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Des Moines, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 14.7% more expensive than Des Moines, IA. This translates to spending an extra $1100 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Des Moines, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Des Moines, IA, you'd need approximately $163,200 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Des Moines, IA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 34.1% more expensive than in Des Moines, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $1100 more per month than Des Moines, IA, or $13200 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Moines, IA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Des Moines, IA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.2K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area

Overall Cost

↑ 14.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,100

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$228K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:115

Median Home:$414K

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Des Moines, IA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,079/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $709more	34.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $246more	19.8%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$589/mo	↓ $92.94less	13.6%
⚡All Utilities	$470/mo	$561/mo	↑ $91.25more	19.4%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $70.31more	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$909/mo	$963/mo	↑ $53.96more	5.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 34.1%

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$709

🚗Transportation

↑ 19.8%

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$246

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.6%

Des Moines, IA

$682

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$92.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.4%

Des Moines, IA

$470

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$91.25

📦Other

↑ 4.4%

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$70.31

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.9%

Des Moines, IA

$909

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$53.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,020

To$1,390

↑ $370

1 Bed

From$1,060

To$1,510

↑ $450

2 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,750

↑ $490

3 Bed

From$1,720

To$2,330

↑ $610

Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,078

Difference

Home Values

Des Moines

Phoenix

$228K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$157K - $344K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 81% more expensive than Des Moines

Calculate payment - Des Moines Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$456

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

Rate difference

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Des Moines

Phoenix

45 Good

Air Quality

77 Moderate

67.5%

Good Air Days

92 Moderate

Climate Risk

100 Very High

🌡☀🌪

Top Hazards

🔥🌊🌡

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

25 days

Heat Days >95°F

162 days

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

25 days

Heat Days >95°F

162 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Des Moines, IA on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

Des Moines, IA

Phoenix, AZ

Des Moines, IA

Phoenix, AZ

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code9 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code39 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP9 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP39 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Des Moines, IA

Phoenix, AZ

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ