2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Albany, NY vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Albany?
- Des Moines is 12.8% less expensive than Albany.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or Albany?
- Des Moines housing costs are 29.4% less expensive than Albany housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Albany or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 12.3% less in Des Moines.
 Albany, NYDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries100.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing81.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$175,700$338,100
 Utilities110  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.7100
 Miscellaneous155.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Albany    56 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I live relatively close to Albany, and I gotta say, its a great city. I think it has a lot of good places for food, good living spaces, nice jobs and offices, and I  More

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Over 5 years ago

I’ve lived just outside of Albany in Clifton Park and its always been decent for me. The town is nice and theres a lot to do. The prices are a little expensive including  More

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Over 5 years ago

Good place to retire. Walkable. Young people. Buses. Sidewalks. Feel safe here in Whitehall neighborhood. Plenty to do. Taxes in ny are high,but you get what you pay  More

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Reviews for Des Moines    53 Reviews

Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the  More

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Dude · 
Over 5 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

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Over 6 years ago

Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike  More

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