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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Des Moines is 8% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,054/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 14%
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,270/yr ≈ Same
$183,700 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$193,600 ↑ 5%
$1,137/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ≈ Same
212,464
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $304/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Des Moines or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Pasadena?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Pasadena?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $304/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Pasadena details →

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