Des Moines vs Phoenix for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
+$3,054/yr
Favoring Des Moines for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $254/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~59 months and still keep ~$31/mo for dining out.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
High-yield savings
Park ~$3,054/yr savings at 4–5%+ APY
Even $254/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Des Moines resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
Des Moines's lower taxes leave ~$1,848/yr more for healthcare
Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines Iowa | Phoenix Arizona | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,200Better | $1,500 | $3,600/yr saves in Des |
| Median home price | $255KBetter | $380K | — |
| State income tax | 5.7% | 2.5%Better | $2,400/yr saves in Phoenix |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.9%Better | 8.6% | — |
| Monthly utilities | $155Better | $210 | $660/yr saves in Des |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96Better | 97 | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $435Better | $500 | $780/yr saves in Des |
| Walk score (0–100) | 36 / 100 | 41 / 100Better | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Better | 100 | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Retirement tax savings
Phoenix saves ~$133/mo on a $50K retirement income
Keep more of your fixed income. Park the tax savings in a high-yield account to let it compound.
Healthcare savings
Des Moines saves ~$65/mo on healthcare
Compare Medicare supplement and insurance plans to cover what Medicare doesn't pay.
More to invest
Des Moines stretches your retirement savings ~13% further
Lower COL means more of your nest egg stays invested. Compare brokerage and IRA accounts.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Phoenix
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Phoenix homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Des Moines or Phoenix?
Des Moines and Phoenix are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Des Moines or Phoenix?
Phoenix has the lower state income tax rate (2.5% vs 5.7%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Des Moines vs Phoenix?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $435 in Des Moines and $500 in Phoenix. That's a difference of ~$65/month, or ~$780/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Des Moines on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Des Moines, rent alone would consume approximately 29% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,200/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 61% (~$2,542/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Phoenix has a higher walk score (41 vs 36 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Phoenix offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Des Moines has the same purchasing power as $57K/year in Phoenix
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026