Median rent is 24% lower in Des Moines ($1,054/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Des Moines, where the median home runs $183,700 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $63,966 a year). Taken together, Des Moines is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.1 against 105.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Des Moines is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.1 in Des Moines vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Des Moines, IA
How much would you need to earn in Des Moines, IA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Des Moines, IA
$65,314
You could earn $9,686 less (13% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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 $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $183,700 in Des Moines — 42% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 5.70% in Iowa, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.00% in Iowa; Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 29.0 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 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,054/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Des Moines?
Des Moines is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Des Moines.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,054/mo in Des Moines, IA. Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Des Moines?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $63,966 in Des Moines, IA. Chicago, IL 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 29.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Des Moines?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Iowa's is 5.70%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $87,085 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