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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Des Moines and Waco have a similar cost of living.

$1,054/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 4%
$63,966/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 20%
$183,700 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 9%
$1,137/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 4%
212,464
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,498/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Waco — common questions

Is Des Moines or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Waco?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Waco?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $12,498/year higher in Des Moines.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Waco details →

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