Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Des Moines is 42% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,054/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 47%
$63,966/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 27%
$183,700 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 137%
$1,137/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 44%
212,464
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $17,123/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Des Moines or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $17,123/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Michigan?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Ann Arbor details →

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