Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Des Moines is 4% cheaper than High Point.

$1,054/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ≈ Same
$63,966/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 4%
$183,700 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$212,400 ↑ 16%
$1,137/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 5%
212,464
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,738/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs High Point — common questions

Is Des Moines or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and High Point?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or High Point?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $2,738/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and North Carolina?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View High Point details →

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