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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Des Moines is 16% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 25%
$63,966/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 14%
$183,700 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 13%
$1,137/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 10%
212,464
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $9,064/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Odessa — common questions

Is Des Moines or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Odessa?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Odessa?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $9,064/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Odessa details →

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