Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Huntsville is 11% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,078/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 2%
$70,778/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 10%
$263,100 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 30%
$1,046/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
218,814
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,812/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Huntsville 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 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Des Moines?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Des Moines?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $6,812/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Iowa?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Des Moines

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Huntsville vs. San Bernardino Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco Des Moines vs. Port St. Lucie