Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Minneapolis is 46% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,329/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 21%
$80,269/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 20%
$345,600 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 47%
$1,513/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 25%
426,845
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $16,303/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Minneapolis 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Des Moines?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Des Moines?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $16,303/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Iowa?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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