Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Des Moines is 23% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,054/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 10%
$63,966/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 18%
$183,700 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 30%
$1,137/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 19%
212,464
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $11,715/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Evansville — common questions

Is Des Moines or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Evansville?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Evansville?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $11,715/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Indiana?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

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