Median rent is 36% lower in Des Moines ($1,054/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Des Moines, where the median home runs $183,700 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $63,966 a year). Taken together, Des Moines is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.1 against 98.8 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Des Moines is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.1 in Des Moines vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Des Moines, IA
How much would you need to earn in Des Moines, IA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Des Moines, IA
$69,872
You could earn $5,128 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Des Moines
Iowa
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Des Moines — median rent of $1,054/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $183,700 in Des Moines — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Iowa tops out at 5.70% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Iowa; Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Des Moines has cleaner air on average: 29.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.1 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,054/mo median).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 29.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Des Moines?
Des Moines is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Des Moines.
How much is rent in Austin vs Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,054/mo in Des Moines, IA. Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Des Moines?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $63,966 in Des Moines, IA. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Des Moines, IA has better air quality on average: 29.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Des Moines?
Texas has no state income tax. Iowa has a top rate of 5.70%.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $93,163 in Des Moines, IA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology