Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Colorado Springs is 70% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,562/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 33%
$83,198/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 23%
$420,700 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 56%
$1,592/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 29%
483,099
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $19,232/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Colorado Springs 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 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Des Moines?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Des Moines?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $19,232/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Iowa?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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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