Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Des Moines is 33% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,054/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 34%
$63,966/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 6%
$183,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 85%
$1,137/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 34%
212,464
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $3,578/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Worcester — common questions

Is Des Moines or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Worcester?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Worcester?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $3,578/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Massachusetts?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Worcester details →

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