Median rent is 10% lower in High Point ($1,116/mo vs $1,237/mo). Buying is cheaper in High Point, where the median home runs $235,800 versus $309,000. Households earn more in West Des Moines ($86,594 vs $64,561 a year). Taken together, High Point is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.8 against 92.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in West Des Moines, IA.
City A
High Point, NC
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 High Point, NC?
Equivalent salary in West Des Moines, IA
$75,001
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
High Point
North Carolina
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 High Point at $1,116/mo compared to $1,237/mo in West Des Moines (10% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in West Des Moines: the median home is $309,000 versus $235,800 in High Point — 24% 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.
High Point
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
West Des Moines
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($86,594/yr).
Is High Point cheaper than West Des Moines?
High Point is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.8 versus 92.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in High Point.
How much is rent in High Point vs West Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,116/mo in High Point, NC and $1,237/mo in West Des Moines, IA. High Point, NC has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — High Point or West Des Moines?
Median household income is $64,561 in High Point, NC and $86,594 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 — High Point or West Des Moines?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in West Des Moines to match my High Point income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in High Point, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,001 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
