Is Des Moines, IA cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Des Moines, IA is 46.4% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3482 per month.

What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $108,214.286 in Des Moines, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Des Moines, IA?

Housing in Des Moines, IA is 72.8% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Des Moines, IA?

Moving from New York, NY to Des Moines, IA could save you approximately $3482 per month, or $41786 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Des Moines, IA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Des Moines, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.2K in Des Moines, IA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 46.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,482

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.8K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:54

Median Home:$228K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New York, NY vs Des Moines, IA

Category	New York, NY	Des Moines, IA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,079/mo	↓ $5,569less	72.8%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $427less	21.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,243/mo	↓ $359less	22.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$909/mo	↓ $256less	22.0%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$470/mo	↓ $130less	21.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$682/mo	↓ $6.20less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.8%

New York, NY

$7,648

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Difference

$5,569

less

📦Other

↓ 21.0%

New York, NY

$2,034

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Difference

$427

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.4%

New York, NY

$1,602

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Difference

$359

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 22.0%

New York, NY

$1,165

Des Moines, IA

$909

Difference

$256

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.7%

New York, NY

$600

Des Moines, IA

$470

Difference

$130

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 0.9%

New York, NY

$688

Des Moines, IA

$682

Difference

$6.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

To$1,020

↓ $2,100

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,060

↓ $2,210

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,260

↓ $2,330

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,720

↓ $2,780

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/mo

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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$6,747

Difference

Home Values

New York

Des Moines

$1.05M

Median Value

$228K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.4%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$157K - $344K

Homes in Des Moines are 78% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Des Moines

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$96.74

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Additional Tax Information

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

💡 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.