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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Des Moines is 30% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,054/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 14%
$63,966/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 24%
$183,700 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 33%
$1,137/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 27%
212,464
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $15,291/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Des Moines or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Brownsville?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Brownsville?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $15,291/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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Brownsville details →

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