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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Durham is 50% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,412/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 25%
$79,234/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 19%
$355,300 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 48%
$1,434/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 21%
288,465
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $15,268/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Durham or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Des Moines?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Des Moines?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $15,268/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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