Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Des Moines is 21% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,054/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 7%
$63,966/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 18%
$183,700 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 35%
$1,137/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 14%
212,464
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $11,796/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Lansing — common questions

Is Des Moines or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Lansing?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Lansing?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $11,796/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Michigan?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Lansing details →

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