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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Denver is 110% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,770/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 40%
$91,681/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 219%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 69%
$1,839/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 38%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $27,715/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Des Moines?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Des Moines?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $27,715/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Des Moines

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso 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