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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Des Moines is 29% cheaper than Midland.

$1,054/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 33%
$63,966/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 43%
$183,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 63%
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 29%
212,464
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $27,203/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Midland — common questions

Is Des Moines or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Midland?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Midland?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $27,203/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Midland

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 Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven