Cost of Living: El Paso, TX vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

El Paso is 4% cheaper than Des Moines.

$1,041/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 1%
$58,734/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 9%
$171,700 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$183,700 ↑ 7%
$1,044/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
678,147
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,232/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Texas has no state income tax, giving El Paso residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Des Moines — common questions

Is El Paso or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Des Moines?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Des Moines?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $5,232/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to El Paso or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.
View El Paso details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for El Paso and Des Moines

El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco