Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Lexington is 17% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,101/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 4%
$67,631/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 5%
$272,100 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 32%
$1,160/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 2%
321,122
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,665/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Lexington 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Des Moines?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Des Moines?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $3,665/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Iowa?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Des Moines details →

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