Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Des Moines is 17% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $62,383 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Des Moines (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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