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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Des Moines is 43% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,054/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 63%
$63,966/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 52%
$183,700 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 109%
$1,137/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 57%
212,464
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $659/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $7,908/year.

Median household income is $33,221/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Des Moines or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Round Rock?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $659/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Round Rock?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $33,221/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Round Rock

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 Round Rock vs. Vallejo Round Rock vs. Concord Round Rock vs. Meridian Round Rock vs. Arvada Round Rock vs. Palm Bay Round Rock vs. Clovis