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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Frisco

Texas
162

Des Moines is 92% cheaper than Frisco.

$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 80%
$63,966/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$146,158/yr ↑ 128%
$183,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$595,400 ↑ 224%
$1,137/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,389/mo ↑ 110%
212,464
Population
210,238

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Frisco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 162 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $82,192/year higher in Frisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $595,400 in Frisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Frisco — common questions

Is Des Moines or Frisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 162 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Frisco?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Frisco it's $1,902/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Frisco?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $146,158 in Frisco. Median household income is $82,192/year higher in Frisco.
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 Frisco?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Frisco has a cost index of 162 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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