Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Des Moines is 8% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,054/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↑ 2%
$63,966/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 7%
$183,700 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 20%
$1,137/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 7%
212,464
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,783/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Des Moines or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Kansas City?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Kansas City?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $4,783/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Kansas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Kansas City details →

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