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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Des Moines is 29% cheaper than Grand Prairie.

$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ↑ 39%
$63,966/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$78,889/yr ↑ 23%
$183,700 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$272,200 ↑ 48%
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ↑ 30%
212,464
Population
198,564

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $14,923/year higher in Grand Prairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Des Moines or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $14,923/year higher in Grand Prairie.
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 Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Grand Prairie details →

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