Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Des Moines is 43% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,054/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 55%
$63,966/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 22%
$183,700 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 140%
$1,137/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 41%
212,464
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $14,190/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Des Moines or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Vancouver?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Vancouver?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $14,190/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Washington?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Vancouver details →

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