Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Des Moines is 4% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$1,054/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 5%
$63,966/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 24%
$183,700 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 29%
$1,137/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 9%
212,464
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,430/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Des Moines or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $15,430/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Alabama?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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