Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Des Moines is 20% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $60,135 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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