Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Portland is 97% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,596/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 34%
$88,792/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 28%
$557,600 ↑ 204%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 67%
$1,771/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 36%
642,715
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $24,826/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Des Moines?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Des Moines?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $24,826/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Iowa?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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