Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Des Moines is 59% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,054/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 109%
$63,966/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 68%
$183,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 234%
$1,137/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 107%
212,464
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,153/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $13,836/year.

Median household income is $43,508/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Stamford — common questions

Is Des Moines or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Stamford?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $1,153/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Stamford?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $43,508/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Connecticut?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Stamford details →

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