Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Des Moines is 4% more expensive than Independence.

$1,054/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ≈ Same
$63,966/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 7%
$183,700 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 9%
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 8%
212,464
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,486/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Independence — common questions

Is Des Moines or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Independence?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Independence?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $4,486/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Missouri?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Independence details →

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