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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Des Moines is 49% cheaper than Allen.

$1,054/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 78%
$63,966/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 102%
$183,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 134%
$1,137/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 83%
212,464
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $823/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,876/year.

Median household income is $65,164/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Allen — common questions

Is Des Moines or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Allen?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $823/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Allen?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $65,164/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Allen details →

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