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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Des Moines is 6% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,054/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 4%
$63,966/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 6%
$183,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 5%
$1,137/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 12%
212,464
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,801/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs McAllen — common questions

Is Des Moines or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and McAllen?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or McAllen?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $3,801/year higher in Des Moines.
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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View McAllen details →

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