Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Oklahoma City is 6% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,083/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 3%
$66,702/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 4%
$215,100 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 15%
$1,133/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ≈ Same
688,693
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK 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 $2,736/year higher in Oklahoma City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Oklahoma City has a lower income tax rate, making Oklahoma City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City and Des Moines?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Des Moines?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $2,736/year higher in Oklahoma City.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Iowa?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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