Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Des Moines is 8% cheaper than Waterbury.

$1,054/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 12%
$63,966/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 19%
$183,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$185,400 ≈ Same
$1,137/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 12%
212,464
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $12,324/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Des Moines or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Waterbury?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Waterbury?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $12,324/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Connecticut?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Des Moines and Waterbury

Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa