Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Overland Park, KS (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Overland Park

Kansas
111

Des Moines is 37% cheaper than Overland Park.

$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,455/mo ↑ 38%
$63,966/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$103,838/yr ↑ 62%
$183,700 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$384,400 ↑ 109%
$1,137/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,557/mo ↑ 37%
212,464
Population
197,199

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Overland Park, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $39,872/year higher in Overland Park. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $384,400 in Overland Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Overland Park — common questions

Is Des Moines or Overland Park cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Overland Park?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Overland Park it's $1,455/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Overland Park?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $103,838 in Overland Park. Median household income is $39,872/year higher in Overland Park.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Kansas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Overland Park?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Overland Park has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,455/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Overland Park details →

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