Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Des Moines is 50% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,054/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 66%
$63,966/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 34%
$183,700 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 198%
$1,137/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 52%
212,464
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $21,823/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Des Moines or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Lakewood?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Lakewood?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $21,823/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Colorado?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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