Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Des Moines is 25% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 25%
$63,966/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 37%
$183,700 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 57%
$1,137/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 17%
212,464
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $23,801/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Rochester — common questions

Is Des Moines or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Rochester?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Rochester?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $23,801/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Minnesota?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Rochester details →

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