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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Irving is 46% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,517/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 31%
$79,641/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 20%
$287,300 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 36%
$1,521/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 25%
255,036
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $15,675/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Irving 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Des Moines?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Des Moines?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $15,675/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Des Moines details →

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