Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Des Moines is 50% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,054/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 70%
$63,966/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 121%
$183,700 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 161%
$1,137/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 76%
212,464
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $77,387/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Des Moines or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $77,387/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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