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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Des Moines is 21% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,054/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 33%
$63,966/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 12%
$183,700 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 23%
$1,137/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 22%
212,464
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $7,877/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Des Moines or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Mesquite?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Mesquite?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $7,877/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Mesquite details →

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