Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Pueblo, CO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Pueblo

Colorado
72

Des Moines and Pueblo have a similar cost of living.

$1,054/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,020/mo ↓ 3%
$63,966/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,305/yr ↓ 14%
$183,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$230,900 ↑ 26%
$1,137/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,011/mo ↓ 11%
212,464
Population
111,514

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Pueblo, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,661/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $230,900 in Pueblo.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Pueblo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Pueblo — common questions

Is Des Moines or Pueblo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Pueblo?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Pueblo it's $1,020/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Pueblo?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $55,305 in Pueblo. Median household income is $8,661/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Colorado?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Pueblo?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,020/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Pueblo details →

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