Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Des Moines is 50% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,054/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 72%
$63,966/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 50%
$183,700 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 171%
$1,137/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 62%
212,464
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $32,179/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Westminster — common questions

Is Des Moines or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Westminster?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Westminster?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $32,179/year higher in Westminster.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Colorado?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Westminster details →

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