Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Reno is 74% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,453/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 27%
$78,448/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 18%
$498,600 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 63%
$1,482/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
268,959
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $14,482/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Reno 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Des Moines?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Des Moines?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $14,482/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Iowa?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Des Moines details →

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