Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Des Moines is 20% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,054/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 28%
$63,966/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 6%
$183,700 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 27%
$1,137/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 18%
212,464
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $3,792/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Hampton — common questions

Is Des Moines or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Hampton?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Hampton?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $3,792/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Virginia?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Hampton details →

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