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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Columbus is 19% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,224/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 14%
$65,327/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 2%
$234,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 22%
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 9%
906,480
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $1,361/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Des Moines?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Des Moines?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $1,361/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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