Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Des Moines is 5% cheaper than Little Rock.

$1,054/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 1%
$63,966/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 5%
$183,700 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$221,200 ↑ 20%
$1,137/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 3%
212,464
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,383/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Des Moines or Little Rock 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 Little Rock?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Little Rock?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $3,383/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Arkansas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Little Rock details →

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