Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Des Moines and Columbus have a similar cost of living.

$1,054/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↑ 2%
$63,966/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 11%
$183,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$182,300 ≈ Same
$1,137/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 6%
212,464
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,344/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Columbus — common questions

Is Des Moines or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Columbus?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Columbus?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $7,344/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Georgia?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Columbus

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney