Median rent is 4% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,727/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $539,800. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $89,787 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 Des Moines, WA.
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, WA
How much would you need to earn in Des Moines, WA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Des Moines, WA
$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
Washington
👥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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,655/mo in Austin and $1,727/mo in Des Moines. Median home values are within 5% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $539,800 in Des Moines.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.50% in Washington; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Des Moines
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Des Moines.
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.1 vs 98.8).
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 $1,727/mo in Des Moines, WA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Des Moines?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $89,787 in Des Moines, WA. 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Des Moines?
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax.
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, WA (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