Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Fort Worth is 39% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,412/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 25%
$76,602/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 16%
$277,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 34%
$1,489/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 24%
941,311
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $12,636/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Des Moines?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Des Moines?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $12,636/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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.
View Fort Worth details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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