Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Des Moines is 5% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $71,011 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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