Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Des Moines is 72% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,054/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 138%
$63,966/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 152%
$183,700 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 555%
$1,137/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 127%
212,464
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,451/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $17,412/year.

Median household income is $97,334/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Des Moines or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Bellevue?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,451/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Bellevue?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $97,334/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Washington?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Bellevue

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 Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet