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

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Greensboro is 9% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,114/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 5%
$58,884/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 9%
$221,300 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 17%
$1,107/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 3%
298,564
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $5,082/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Greensboro 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Des Moines?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Des Moines?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $5,082/year higher in Des Moines.
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 Greensboro or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/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 Greensboro details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Greensboro and Des Moines

Greensboro vs. Pittsburgh Greensboro vs. St. Louis Greensboro vs. Newark Greensboro vs. Lincoln Greensboro vs. St. Paul Greensboro vs. Jersey City 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