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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Des Moines is 6% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,054/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↑ 2%
$63,966/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 10%
$183,700 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 14%
$1,137/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 9%
212,464
Population
113,710

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,436/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Des Moines or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Beaumont?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Beaumont?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $6,436/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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Beaumont details →

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