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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

League City

Texas
114

Des Moines is 39% cheaper than League City.

$1,054/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,628/mo ↑ 54%
$63,966/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$119,870/yr ↑ 87%
$183,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$334,000 ↑ 82%
$1,137/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,766/mo ↑ 55%
212,464
Population
114,885

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
16.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and League City, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $574/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,888/year.

Median household income is $55,904/year higher in League City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $334,000 in League City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs League City — common questions

Is Des Moines or League City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 114 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and League City?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in League City it's $1,628/month — a difference of $574/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or League City?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $119,870 in League City. Median household income is $55,904/year higher in League City.
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 League City?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while League City has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,628/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View League City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and League City

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco League City vs. High Point League City vs. Lowell League City vs. Richmond League City vs. East Los Angeles League City vs. Manchester League City vs. Carlsbad