Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Des Moines is 36% cheaper than West Valley City.

$1,054/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↑ 37%
$63,966/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 39%
$183,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$377,300 ↑ 105%
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↑ 30%
212,464
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $24,638/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Des Moines or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and West Valley City?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or West Valley City?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $24,638/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Utah?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View West Valley City details →

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