Cost of Living: Gainesville vs Des Moines (2026)
Des Moines has a 1% lower overall cost of living than Gainesville as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,200/mo in Des Moines vs $1,300/mo in Gainesville — a 8% difference. Gainesville has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Des Moines (5.7% rate).
- Des Moines is 1% cheaper overall (COL index: 88 vs 87)
- 1BR rent: $1,200/mo in Des Moines vs $1,300/mo — 8% savings
- Gainesville has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Des Moines ($62,000/yr vs $46,000/yr)
- Median home price: $255,000 in Des Moines vs $280,000 — 9% difference
| Category | Gainesville Florida | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050 | $950Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,300 | $1,200Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700 | $1,600Best |
| Median home price | $280K | $255KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95Best | 96 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $50 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55 | $50Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.15 | $3.00Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $188 | $142Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $185 | $155Best |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $60 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $46K | $62KBest |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 5.7% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0% | 6.9%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $35 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $5.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 88 | 87Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 42Best | 36 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Gainesville cheaper than Des Moines?
No. Des Moines is 1% cheaper than Gainesville based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 88, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Gainesville vs Des Moines?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Gainesville is $1,300/month and in Des Moines is $1,200/month. Gainesville is more expensive by 8%.
How much do I need to earn in Des Moines to match a $75,000 salary in Gainesville?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $74,148/year in Des Moines to match a $75,000 salary in Gainesville. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Gainesville or Des Moines?
Gainesville has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 5.7%. Gainesville has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Gainesville to Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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