Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Des Moines is 60% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,054/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 93%
$63,966/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 78%
$183,700 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 279%
$1,137/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 91%
212,464
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $977/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $11,724/year.

Median household income is $49,672/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Des Moines or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Alexandria?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $977/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Alexandria?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $49,672/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Virginia?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Alexandria details →

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