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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Houston is 26% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,313/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
$62,894/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 2%
$253,400 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 28%
$1,316/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 14%
2,300,419
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $1,072/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Des Moines?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Des Moines?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $1,072/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 Houston or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Des Moines

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