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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Greeley

Colorado
103

Des Moines is 32% cheaper than Greeley.

$1,054/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 26%
$63,966/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$68,650/yr ↑ 7%
$183,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$369,600 ↑ 101%
$1,137/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,387/mo ↑ 22%
212,464
Population
109,421

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
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Greeley, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $4,684/year higher in Greeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $369,600 in Greeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Greeley — common questions

Is Des Moines or Greeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Greeley?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Greeley it's $1,333/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Greeley?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $68,650 in Greeley. Median household income is $4,684/year higher in Greeley.
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 Greeley?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Greeley has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Greeley details →

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