Median rent is 28% lower in West Des Moines ($1,237/mo vs $1,729/mo). Buying is cheaper in West Des Moines, where the median home runs $309,000 versus $555,300. Households earn more in Austin ($93,658 vs $86,594 a year). Taken together, West Des Moines is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.8 against 98.3 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Cost of living verdict
West Des Moines is 6% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 92.8 in West Des Moines vs 98.3 in Austin (US national 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
$70,784
You could earn $4,216 less (6% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in West Des Moines — median rent of $1,237/mo versus $1,729/mo in Austin, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $555,300 versus $309,000 in West Des Moines — 44% more expensive.
Metric
Austin
West Des Moines
Software Developer
Registered Nurse
Elementary Teacher
Electrician
Accountant
Higher wage highlighted · BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Austin
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
West Des Moines
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 65.0) but not yet for West Des Moines.
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.8 vs 98.3).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($93,658/yr).
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,237/mo median).
West Des Moines is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.8 versus 98.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in West Des Moines.
Median rent is $1,729/mo in Austin, TX and $1,237/mo in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 28%.
Median household income is $93,658 in Austin, TX and $86,594 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.
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $94,379 in West Des Moines, IA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
