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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Des Moines is 11% cheaper than Tyler.

$1,054/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 14%
$63,966/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 2%
$183,700 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$216,400 ↑ 18%
$1,137/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↑ 3%
212,464
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $1,561/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Tyler — common questions

Is Des Moines or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Tyler?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Tyler?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $1,561/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Tyler details →

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