Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Des Moines is 30% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 24%
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,900/yr ≈ Same
$183,700 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 91%
$1,137/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 21%
212,464
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $66/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Des Moines or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Wilmington?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Wilmington?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $66/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and North Carolina?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Wilmington details →

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