Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Des Moines is 7% cheaper than Killeen.

$1,054/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↑ 9%
$63,966/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 9%
$183,700 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$196,000 ↑ 7%
$1,137/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↑ 3%
212,464
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $5,627/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Killeen — common questions

Is Des Moines or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Killeen?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Killeen?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $5,627/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Texas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Killeen details →

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