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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Des Moines is 4% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,054/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↑ 3%
$63,966/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 17%
$183,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 11%
$1,137/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 7%
212,464
Population
201,504

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,832/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Augusta — common questions

Is Des Moines or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Augusta?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Augusta?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $10,832/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 Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Augusta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Augusta

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 Augusta vs. McKinney Augusta vs. Oxnard Augusta vs. Little Rock Augusta vs. Amarillo Augusta vs. Salt Lake City Augusta vs. Tallahassee