Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Des Moines is 15% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,054/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 10%
$63,966/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 2%
$183,700 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 16%
$1,137/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 14%
212,464
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $1,571/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Springfield — common questions

Is Des Moines or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Springfield?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Springfield?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $1,571/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Springfield details →

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