Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Raleigh is 57% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,468/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
$82,424/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 22%
$377,800 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 51%
$1,487/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 24%
470,763
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $18,458/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Des Moines?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Des Moines?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $18,458/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Des Moines

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco