Median rent is 28% lower in West Des Moines ($1,194/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in West Des Moines, where the median home runs $286,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $84,925 a year). Taken together, West Des Moines is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.1 against 98.8 — about 7% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
West Des Moines is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.1 in West Des Moines vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
West Des Moines, IA
How much would you need to earn in West Des Moines, IA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in West 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
West 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 West Des Moines — median rent of $1,194/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $286,300 in West Des Moines — 44% 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; West Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
West Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for West Des Moines.
Pick West 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 West Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,194/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than West Des Moines?
West 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 West Des Moines.
How much is rent in Austin vs West Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,194/mo in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or West Des Moines?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $84,925 in West 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or West Des Moines?
Texas has no state income tax. Iowa has a top rate of 5.70%.
What salary do I need in West 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 West 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