Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Des Moines is 31% cheaper than Provo.

$1,054/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 9%
$63,966/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 2%
$183,700 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 138%
$1,137/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 7%
212,464
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $1,166/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Provo — common questions

Is Des Moines or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Provo?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Provo?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $1,166/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Utah?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Provo

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Provo vs. Waterbury Provo vs. Elgin Provo vs. Carlsbad Provo vs. Odessa Provo vs. East Los Angeles Provo vs. Springfield