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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Garland is 37% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,525/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 31%
$74,717/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 14%
$248,900 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 26%
$1,445/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 21%
245,298
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $10,751/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Garland 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 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Des Moines?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Des Moines?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $10,751/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Des Moines

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