Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Des Moines is 14% cheaper than Hartford.

$1,054/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 16%
$63,966/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 29%
$183,700 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 18%
$1,137/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 12%
212,464
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $18,666/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Hartford — common questions

Is Des Moines or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Hartford?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Hartford?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $18,666/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Connecticut?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Hartford details →

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