Median rent is 2% lower in Temple ($1,174/mo vs $1,194/mo). Buying is cheaper in Temple, where the median home runs $220,300 versus $286,300. Households earn more in West Des Moines ($84,925 vs $64,945 a year). Taken together, Temple 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 West Des Moines, IA.
City A
Temple, TX
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 Temple, TX?
Equivalent salary in West Des Moines, IA
$75,069
You'd need $69 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
Temple
Texas
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,174/mo in Temple and $1,194/mo in West Des Moines. Home buyers face a steeper market in West Des Moines: the median home is $286,300 versus $220,300 in Temple — 23% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Iowa tops out at 5.70% — giving Temple a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Iowa; West Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Temple
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
West Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($84,925/yr).
Pick Temple if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Temple cheaper than West Des Moines?
Temple 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 Temple.
How much is rent in Temple vs West Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,174/mo in Temple, TX and $1,194/mo in West Des Moines, IA. Temple, TX has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Temple or West Des Moines?
Median household income is $64,945 in Temple, TX 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 — Temple or West Des Moines?
Texas has no state income tax. Iowa has a top rate of 5.70%.
What salary do I need in West Des Moines to match my Temple income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Temple, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,091 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