Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Des Moines is 3% more affordable than Syracuse. A $75,000 salary in Syracuse is equivalent to $72,554 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 Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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