New York, NY vs Des Moines, IA
Cost of Living Comparison — 2026
Renters in Des Moines, IA spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 20% higher in New York, NY. Home prices in New York, NY run 76% higher. Des Moines, IA has the lower unemployment rate.
Detailed Comparison
Housing Costs and Affordability
A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In New York, NY, renters allocate roughly 26.8% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Des Moines, IA, the figure is 19.8% , making Des Moines, IA the easier city for renters on a budget.
For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In New York, NY, that ratio is 9.4x. Homes cost 9.4 times the median annual income. In Des Moines, IA, it's 2.9x. Homeownership is relatively more accessible in Des Moines, IA.
Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,837 in New York and $1,137 in Des Moines. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.
Income and Labor Market
Median household income in New York, NY is $79,713; in Des Moines, IA it is $63,966. That's a $15,747 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.
Unemployment stands at 7.7% in New York and 5.7% in Des Moines. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 51.8% in New York versus 56.3% in Des Moines.
Population
New York, NY has a population of 8,516,202, making it the larger of the two cities. Des Moines, IA has 212,464 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.
Data Sources
All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.