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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Louisville is 6% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,069/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 1%
$64,731/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 1%
$221,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 17%
$1,118/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 2%
627,210
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $765/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Des Moines?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Des Moines?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $765/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Des Moines

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque 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