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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Des Moines is 30% cheaper than Denton.

$1,054/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 28%
$63,966/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↑ 15%
$183,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 77%
$1,137/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 28%
212,464
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $9,753/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Denton — common questions

Is Des Moines or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Denton?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Denton?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $9,753/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Denton details →

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