Median rent is 13% lower in West Des Moines ($1,194/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in West Des Moines, where the median home runs $286,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in West Des Moines ($84,925 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, West 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 West Des Moines, IA.
Quick verdict
West Des Moines is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.1 in West Des Moines vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
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 Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in West 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
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
Median rent is modestly lower in West Des Moines at $1,194/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (13% gap). Median home values are within 9% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $286,300 in West Des Moines.
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; West Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
West Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for West Des Moines.
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.1 vs 105.7).
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($84,925/yr).
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,194/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than West Des Moines?
West 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 West Des Moines.
How much is rent in Chicago vs West Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,194/mo in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or West Des Moines?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $84,925 in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA 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 — Chicago or West 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 West 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 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