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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Des Moines is 45% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 73%
$63,966/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 50%
$183,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 121%
$1,137/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 58%
212,464
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $771/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,252/year.

Median household income is $32,291/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Richardson — common questions

Is Des Moines or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Richardson?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $771/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Richardson?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $32,291/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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