Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Baltimore is 20% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,290/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 18%
$59,623/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 7%
$219,300 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 16%
$1,333/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 15%
577,193
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $4,343/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Des Moines?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Des Moines?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $4,343/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Iowa?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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.
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More Comparisons

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