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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Plano is 89% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,792/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 41%
$108,649/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 41%
$440,600 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 58%
$1,829/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 38%
287,339
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $44,683/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Plano 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Des Moines?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Des Moines?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $44,683/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Des Moines details →

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