Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Des Moines is 10% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $67,424 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 Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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