Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Des Moines is 54% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 71%
$63,966/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 77%
$183,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 227%
$1,137/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 71%
212,464
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $748/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,976/year.

Median household income is $49,430/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Arvada — common questions

Is Des Moines or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Arvada?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $748/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Arvada?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $49,430/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Colorado?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Arvada

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence