Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Aurora is 86% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,759/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 40%
$84,320/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 24%
$444,500 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 59%
$1,762/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
390,201
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $20,354/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Aurora or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Des Moines?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Des Moines?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $20,354/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Iowa?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Aurora details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Des Moines

Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco