Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Chicago is 43% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,380/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 24%
$75,134/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 15%
$315,200 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 42%
$1,502/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 24%
2,707,648
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $11,168/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Des Moines?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Des Moines?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $11,168/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Iowa?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Des Moines

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia 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