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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Des Moines is 42% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,054/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 67%
$63,966/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 76%
$183,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 80%
$1,137/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 73%
212,464
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $48,504/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Pearland — common questions

Is Des Moines or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Pearland?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Pearland?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $48,504/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Pearland details →

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