2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ocala, FL vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Ocala?
- Des Moines is 0.5% less expensive than Ocala.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or Ocala?
- Des Moines housing costs are 9.8% less expensive than Ocala housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ocala or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 4.9% more in Des Moines.
 Ocala, FLDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries98.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing64.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$175,700$338,100
 Utilities104  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.7100
 Miscellaneous78.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Ocala    56 Reviews

My wife and I have lived in Ocala as retirees since 2014 and we love it here. It is definitely a place for retired folks. There is lots to do here for us. As for  More

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I lived here for 12 years during my 20's to early 30's. Raised my children and started careers. This place offered plenty of work, good neighbors and lots of memories.  More

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Over 3 years ago

I like this city, a small town and a lot to offer for adults between 30 to seniors. Now if you planing to move with teens is not for you, unless you coming from another  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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