Median rent is 25% lower in Des Moines ($1,090/mo vs $1,446/mo). Buying is cheaper in Des Moines, where the median home runs $194,700 versus $295,300. Households earn more in Middletown ($79,438 vs $65,932 a year). Taken together, Des Moines is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.8 against 92.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Middletown, CT.
City A
Des Moines, IA
City B
Middletown, CT
How much would you need to earn in Middletown, CT to maintain your standard of living from Des Moines, IA?
Equivalent salary in Middletown, CT
$75,111
You'd need $111 more (0% higher).
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
Middletown
Connecticut
👥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 $1,090/mo versus $1,446/mo in Middletown, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Middletown: the median home is $295,300 versus $194,700 in Des Moines — 34% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Des Moines
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Middletown
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Des Moines (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Middletown.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,438/yr).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,090/mo median).
Is Des Moines cheaper than Middletown?
Des Moines is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.8 versus 92.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Des Moines.
How much is rent in Des Moines vs Middletown?
Median rent is $1,090/mo in Des Moines, IA and $1,446/mo in Middletown, CT. Des Moines, IA has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Des Moines or Middletown?
Median household income is $65,932 in Des Moines, IA and $79,438 in Middletown, CT. Middletown, CT 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 Middletown?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Middletown 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 $100,148 in Middletown, CT (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
