Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Des Moines is 16% cheaper than Athens.

$1,054/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 10%
$63,966/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 19%
$183,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 48%
$1,137/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 2%
212,464
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $12,311/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Athens — common questions

Is Des Moines or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Athens?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Athens?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $12,311/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Georgia?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Athens details →

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