Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Cincinnati and Des Moines have a similar cost of living.

$953/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 11%
$51,707/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 24%
$215,300 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 15%
$1,041/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
309,595
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $12,259/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Des Moines?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Des Moines?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $12,259/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Iowa?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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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