Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Des Moines is 71% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,054/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 160%
$63,966/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 98%
$183,700 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 466%
$1,137/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 132%
212,464
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,688/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $20,256/year.

Median household income is $62,503/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Des Moines or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Cambridge?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,688/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Cambridge?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $62,503/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Massachusetts?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Cambridge details →

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