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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Des Moines is 40% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,054/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 59%
$63,966/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 55%
$183,700 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 92%
$1,137/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 49%
212,464
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $35,149/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Des Moines or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Carrollton?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Carrollton?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $35,149/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

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