Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Des Moines is 15% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,054/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 10%
$63,966/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 8%
$183,700 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 19%
$1,137/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 11%
212,464
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $5,250/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Peoria — common questions

Is Des Moines or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Peoria?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Peoria?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $5,250/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Peoria details →

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