Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Des Moines is 28% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $54,268 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 Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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