Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Des Moines is 11% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,054/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 20%
$63,966/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 2%
$183,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 12%
$1,137/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 3%
212,464
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $1,226/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Des Moines or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Dearborn?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Dearborn?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $1,226/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Michigan?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Dearborn details →

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