Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Des Moines is 16% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $62,972 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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