2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Surprise, AZ vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Surprise?
- Des Moines is 23.4% less expensive than Surprise.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or Surprise?
- Des Moines housing costs are 53.1% less expensive than Surprise housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Surprise or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 10.7% more in Des Moines.
 Surprise, AZDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries97.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing123.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$175,700$338,100
 Utilities106  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.7100
 Miscellaneous105.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Surprise    52 Reviews

I have lived in Surprise, Az. For the past 21 years. One of the best cities to live in Az. From the police department to maintaining the streets & freeways. One thing I  More

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I am an Arizona native - 55 years - and have lived in Surprise since 2003. I wouldn't live anywhere else! I have watched this place grow and prosper. It is very family  More

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Over 11 years ago

The city of surprise is a beautiful place. It would not be a good place to live however. They have a young eager police force. You are taking a BIG risk driving  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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