Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Austin is 91% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,655/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 36%
$91,461/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 30%
$512,700 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 64%
$1,747/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
967,862
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $27,495/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Des Moines?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Des Moines?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $27,495/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Des Moines details →

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