Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Des Moines is 48% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,054/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 84%
$63,966/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 115%
$183,700 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 121%
$1,137/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 73%
212,464
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $885/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,620/year.

Median household income is $73,545/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Des Moines or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $885/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $73,545/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Sugar Land details →

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