Median rent is 39% lower in Des Moines ($1,054/mo vs $1,727/mo). Buying is cheaper in Des Moines, where the median home runs $183,700 versus $539,800. Households earn more in Des Moines ($89,787 vs $63,966 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (92.1).
City A
Des Moines, IA
City B
Des Moines, WA
How much would you need to earn in Des Moines, WA to maintain your standard of living from Des Moines, IA?
Equivalent salary in Des Moines, WA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Des Moines
Iowa
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Des Moines — median rent of $1,054/mo versus $1,727/mo in Des Moines, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Des Moines: the median home is $539,800 versus $183,700 in Des Moines — 66% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Iowa tops out at 5.70% — giving Des Moines a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Iowa and 6.50% in Washington; Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Des Moines
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Des Moines (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for Des Moines.
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($89,787/yr).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,054/mo median).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Des Moines cheaper than Des Moines?
Des Moines is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.1 versus 92.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Des Moines.
How much is rent in Des Moines vs Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,054/mo in Des Moines, IA and $1,727/mo in Des Moines, WA. Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Des Moines or Des Moines?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines, IA and $89,787 in Des Moines, WA. Des Moines, WA 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 — Des Moines or Des Moines?
Washington has no state income tax. Iowa has a top rate of 5.70%.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Des Moines income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Des Moines, IA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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