Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Everett, WA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Des Moines is 49% cheaper than Everett.

$1,054/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 59%
$63,966/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 27%
$183,700 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 190%
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 53%
212,464
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $17,536/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Everett — common questions

Is Des Moines or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Everett?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Everett?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $17,536/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Washington?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Everett details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Everett

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 Everett vs. Miami Gardens Everett vs. Costa Mesa Everett vs. Pueblo Everett vs. Temecula Everett vs. Murrieta Everett vs. Ventura