Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Des Moines is 5% cheaper than Knoxville.

$1,054/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 6%
$63,966/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 20%
$183,700 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 16%
$1,137/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 5%
212,464
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $12,972/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Des Moines or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Knoxville?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Knoxville?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $12,972/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Tennessee?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Knoxville details →

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