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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Des Moines and Amarillo have a similar cost of living.

$1,054/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ≈ Same
$63,966/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 2%
$183,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$186,800 ↑ 2%
$1,137/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 6%
212,464
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,497/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Des Moines or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Amarillo?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Amarillo?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $1,497/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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Amarillo details →

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