Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Dallas is 39% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,403/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 25%
$67,760/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 6%
$295,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 38%
$1,409/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 19%
1,299,553
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $3,794/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Des Moines?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Des Moines?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $3,794/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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