Is Des Moines, IA cheaper than Toledo, OH?

Based on cost of living data, Des Moines, IA is 0.6% cheaper than Toledo, OH. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA to live like I do in Toledo, OH?

If you earn $150,000 in Toledo, OH, you'd need approximately $149,438.229 in Des Moines, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Toledo, OH and Des Moines, IA?

Housing in Des Moines, IA is 29.6% more expensive than in Toledo, OH. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $1,075/month in Toledo, OH.

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

Moving from Toledo, OH to Des Moines, IA could save you approximately $47 per month, or $562 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Toledo, OH vs Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Toledo, OH

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $46.81/month moving to Des Moines, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.4K in Des Moines, IA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$46.81

Savings

Annual Impact

$562

Per year

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

Toledo, OH

Population:265K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$130K

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$228K

Toledo, OH

The Buckeye State

265K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 265K residents.

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: Toledo, OH vs Des Moines, IA

Category	Toledo, OH	Des Moines, IA	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,605/mo	$2,079/mo	↑ $474more	29.6%
Transportation	$1,617/mo	$1,243/mo	↓ $374less	23.1%
Other	$1,723/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $116less	6.7%
Healthcare	$572/mo	$682/mo	↑ $110more	19.2%
All Utilities	$565/mo	$470/mo	↓ $95.49less	16.9%
Groceries	$963/mo	$909/mo	↓ $53.71less	5.6%

Housing

↑ 29.6%

Toledo, OH

$1,605

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Difference

$474

Transportation

↓ 23.1%

Toledo, OH

$1,617

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Difference

$374

less

Other

↓ 6.7%

Toledo, OH

$1,723

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Difference

$116

less

Healthcare

↑ 19.2%

Toledo, OH

$572

Des Moines, IA

$682

Difference

$110

All Utilities

↓ 16.9%

Toledo, OH

$565

Des Moines, IA

$470

Difference

$95.49

less

Groceries

↓ 5.6%

Toledo, OH

$963

Des Moines, IA

$909

Difference

$53.71

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Toledo, OH: Toledo Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

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$772

To$1,020

↑ $248

1 Bed

From$818

To$1,060

↑ $242

2 Bed

From$1,075

To$1,260

↑ $185

3 Bed

From$1,379

To$1,720

↑ $341

Toledo, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/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.

$7,045

Monthly in Toledo, OH

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$54.74

Difference

Home Values

Toledo

Des Moines

$130K

Median Value

$228K

↑ +5.6%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +41%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.4%

$47K - $314K

Price Range

$157K - $344K

Homes in Des Moines are 76% more expensive than Toledo

Calculate payment - Toledo Calculate payment - Des Moines

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$523

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.2%

Rate difference

Toledo, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

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

Toledo, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

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.