Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Boston is 151% more expensive than Des Moines.

$2,093/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 50%
$94,755/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 287%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 74%
$2,176/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 48%
663,972
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,039/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $12,468/year.

Median household income is $30,789/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Des Moines?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $1,039/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Des Moines?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $30,789/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Iowa?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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