Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Des Moines is 26% cheaper than Bridgeport.

$1,054/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 33%
$63,966/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 12%
$183,700 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 37%
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↑ 30%
212,464
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $7,382/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Des Moines or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $7,382/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Connecticut?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Bridgeport details →

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