Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Des Moines is 12% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,054/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 1%
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,488/yr ≈ Same
$183,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 46%
$1,137/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 2%
212,464
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $522/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Columbia — common questions

Is Des Moines or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Columbia?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Columbia?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $522/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Missouri?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Columbia details →

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