Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Des Moines is 52% cheaper than Kent.

$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 74%
$63,966/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 41%
$183,700 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 193%
$1,137/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 68%
212,464
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $26,450/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Kent — common questions

Is Des Moines or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Kent?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Kent?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $26,450/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Washington?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Kent details →

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