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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Des Moines and Abilene have a similar cost of living.

$1,054/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 5%
$63,966/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 2%
$183,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 3%
$1,137/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 2%
212,464
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $1,246/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Abilene — common questions

Is Des Moines or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Abilene?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Abilene?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,246/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Texas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Abilene details →

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