Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Madison is 47% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,364/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 23%
$76,983/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 17%
$346,900 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 47%
$1,476/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
275,568
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $13,017/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Des Moines?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Des Moines?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $13,017/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Iowa?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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.
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