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

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Laredo is 4% cheaper than Des Moines.

$1,001/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 5%
$63,264/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 1%
$182,400 ≈ Same
Home Value
$183,700 ≈ Same
$1,066/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 7%
255,949
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $702/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Laredo or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and Des Moines?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or Des Moines?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $702/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 Laredo or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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 Laredo details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Laredo and Des Moines

Laredo vs. St. Petersburg Laredo vs. Irving Laredo vs. Lubbock Laredo vs. Chesapeake Laredo vs. Fort Wayne Laredo vs. Winston-Salem 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