2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Apple Valley, MN vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Apple Valley?
- Des Moines is 18.4% less expensive than Apple Valley.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or Apple Valley?
- Des Moines housing costs are 51.2% less expensive than Apple Valley housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Apple Valley or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 37.1% more in Des Moines.
 Apple Valley, MNDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries101.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing118.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$175,700$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.7100
 Miscellaneous140.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Apple Valley    5 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

Being ex military, I have traveled to a lot of States. If I had my way, Id live in San Diego, but I can't afford it. My second choice would be Mn. There are lots of  More

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Over 16 years ago

Apple Valley is a somewhat boring place to live. Most of the houses look the same. They are painted the same to conform to rules. Mostly chain stores but I prefer  More

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Over 17 years ago

Quiet w lots of parks and low  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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