Median rent is 34% lower in Killeen ($1,147/mo vs $1,727/mo). Buying is cheaper in Killeen, where the median home runs $196,000 versus $539,800. Households earn more in Des Moines ($89,787 vs $58,339 a year). Taken together, Killeen is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 92.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Des Moines, WA.
City A
Des Moines, WA
City B
Killeen, TX
How much would you need to earn in Killeen, TX to maintain your standard of living from Des Moines, WA?
Equivalent salary in Killeen, TX
$74,932
You could earn $68 less (0% 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
Des Moines
Washington
Killeen
Texas
👥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 Killeen — median rent of $1,147/mo versus $1,727/mo in Des Moines, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Des Moines: the median home is $539,800 versus $196,000 in Killeen — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Washington and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 6.25% in Texas; Killeen has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Des Moines
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Killeen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($89,787/yr).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,147/mo median).
Is Des Moines cheaper than Killeen?
Killeen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 92.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Killeen.
How much is rent in Des Moines vs Killeen?
Median rent is $1,727/mo in Des Moines, WA and $1,147/mo in Killeen, TX. Killeen, TX has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Des Moines or Killeen?
Median household income is $89,787 in Des Moines, WA and $58,339 in Killeen, TX. 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 Killeen?
Both Washington and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Killeen to match my Des Moines income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Des Moines, WA is equivalent to roughly $99,909 in Killeen, TX (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