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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Lubbock is 7% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,137/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 7%
$60,487/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 6%
$197,900 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 7%
$1,179/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 4%
261,078
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $3,479/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Lubbock 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 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Des Moines?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Des Moines?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $3,479/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 Lubbock or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Des Moines details →

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