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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd save $83.33/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Overall Cost
↓ 1.1%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$83.33
Savings
Annual Impact
$1.0K
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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K
Cost Index:99

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Pittsburgh, PA

🏥Healthcare
↓ 22.7%
Des Moines, IA
$682
Pittsburgh, PA
$527
Difference
$155
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 29.1%
Des Moines, IA
$470
Pittsburgh, PA
$607
Difference
$137
more
🏠Housing
↓ 6.3%
Des Moines, IA
$2,079
Pittsburgh, PA
$1,949
Difference
$130
less
🛒Groceries
↑ 8.8%
Des Moines, IA
$909
Pittsburgh, PA
$989
Difference
$79.94
more
🚗Transportation
↓ 2.2%
Des Moines, IA
$1,243
Pittsburgh, PA
$1,216
Difference
$27.32
less
📦Other
→ 0.0%
Des Moines, IA
$1,607
Pittsburgh, PA
$1,607
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

Des Moines, IA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$750
↓ $270
1 Bed
From$1,060
To$850
↓ $210
2 Bed
From$1,260
To$1,050
↓ $210
3 Bed
From$1,720
To$1,400
↓ $320
Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/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
$6,894
Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA
$95.60
Difference

Home Values

Des Moines
Pittsburgh
$228K
Median Value
-
↑ +1.2%
YoY Change
-
↑ +32.4%
5-Year Change
-
$157K - $344K
Price Range
-
Calculate payment - Des Moines

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $6.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$508
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.1%
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

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Pennsylvania State Tax
Effective: 3.1%
$4.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.7%
$41.6K
Take-Home Pay
$9,032/month
$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%
Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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
Pittsburgh
45 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
67.5%
Good Air Days
47.8%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.0°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
12 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.0°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
12 days

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

Where your money goes further

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

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $250/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $250/mo

Similar cost to Pittsburgh, PA

Other cities in a similar price range

Raleigh, NCCharlotte, NCDallas, TX

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