Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Indianapolis is 6% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,112/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 5%
$62,995/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 2%
$207,000 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 11%
$1,124/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 1%
882,043
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $971/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Indianapolis 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Des Moines?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Des Moines?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $971/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Iowa?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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