Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Des Moines to Phoenix
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Phoenix has higher median income ($81,332 vs $65,932) and higher housing costs (rent $1,582 vs $1,090; home value $420,700 vs $194,700) than Des Moines. Phoenix also has a longer commute (28 vs 21 minutes) and applies a 2.50% state income tax in the model, while Des Moines excludes state tax due to lack of approved reference. The uniform non-housing baseline of $1,250/month is a model assumption for both. These factors create a trade-off: Phoenix offers greater income potential but at higher housing and time costs, with tax modeled as a reduction in disposable income; Des Moines provides lower living costs and shorter commutes but with lower income and no modeled state tax benefit.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Phoenix → Des MoinesMoving from Des Moines to Phoenix
Median Rent Impact
+$492/mo
Moving to Phoenix costs ~$5,904 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+2.5%
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Daily Commute Difference
+7 min / day
Difference of ~58 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTDES → PHX
50/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$3,680after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainA balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference
Watch closelyThe $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above Dallas despite similar commute time
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Des Moines is about $5,904 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Des Moines household income$65,932
Phoenix household income$81,332
Des Moines gross rent$1,090
Phoenix gross rent$1,582
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Des Moines | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 212,421 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $65,932 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $1,090 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $194,700 | $420,700 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 2.5% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 21 minutes in Des Moines and 28 minutes in Phoenix. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income
- Median gross rent
- Median owner-occupied home value
- One-way commute time
- State individual income tax in model
- Uniform non-housing cost baseline
What each city wins
Des Moines
Rent-to-income ratio is favorable at ~20%.. Watch lower home values may reflect older housing stock or limited new construction..
Phoenix
A balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference. Watch the $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above dallas despite similar commute time.
Frequently asked questions
How do housing costs compare between the two cities?
Phoenix has higher median gross rent at $1,582 per month compared to Des Moines at $1,090, and higher median home values at $420,700 versus $194,700, based on 2024 ACS 5-year estimates.
What role does state income tax play in the comparison?
The model applies a 2.50% state individual income tax for Phoenix as a simplified reference, while Des Moines excludes state tax due to lack of an approved current official reference; this affects disposable income but is not a statement of actual tax liability.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.