Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Des Moines is 40% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,054/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 27%
$63,966/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 17%
$183,700 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 170%
$1,137/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 23%
212,464
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $10,959/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Des Moines or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $10,959/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Salt Lake City details →

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