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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Des Moines is 49% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,054/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 75%
$63,966/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 88%
$183,700 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 139%
$1,137/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 85%
212,464
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $56,307/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs McKinney — common questions

Is Des Moines or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and McKinney?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or McKinney?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $56,307/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View McKinney details →

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