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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Des Moines is 23% cheaper than College Station.

$1,054/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 11%
$63,966/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 19%
$183,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 78%
$1,137/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 10%
212,464
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $12,190/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs College Station — common questions

Is Des Moines or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and College Station?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or College Station?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $12,190/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View College Station details →

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