Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Des Moines is 49% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,054/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 58%
$63,966/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 31%
$183,700 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 199%
$1,137/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 49%
212,464
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $19,632/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Des Moines or Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $19,632/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Colorado?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Fort Collins details →

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