Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Des Moines is 13% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,054/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ≈ Same
$63,966/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 31%
$183,700 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 25%
$1,137/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 13%
212,464
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,590/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Des Moines or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Birmingham?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Birmingham?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $19,590/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Alabama?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Birmingham details →

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