Ankeny, IA vs Des Moines, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Des Moines is 21.7% cheaper than Ankeny. With a cost index of 79 vs 97, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Des Moines to Ankeny should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ankeny is $1,279/month compared to $1,054/month in Des Moines — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Des Moines is more affordable at $183,700 median vs $311,300.

Median household income in Ankeny is $106,603 compared to $63,966 in Des Moines (+66.7%). While Ankeny is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ankeny spend roughly 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Des Moines.