Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Broken Arrow, OK (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Broken Arrow

Oklahoma
83

Des Moines is 16% cheaper than Broken Arrow.

$1,054/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,240/mo ↑ 18%
$63,966/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$85,220/yr ↑ 33%
$183,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$229,300 ↑ 25%
$1,137/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,283/mo ↑ 13%
212,464
Population
115,919

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Broken Arrow, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $21,254/year higher in Broken Arrow. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $229,300 in Broken Arrow.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Broken Arrow slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Broken Arrow — common questions

Is Des Moines or Broken Arrow cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Broken Arrow?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Broken Arrow it's $1,240/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Broken Arrow?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $85,220 in Broken Arrow. Median household income is $21,254/year higher in Broken Arrow.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Oklahoma?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Broken Arrow?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Broken Arrow has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,240/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Broken Arrow details →

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