Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Richmond is 40% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,314/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
$62,671/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 2%
$328,100 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 44%
$1,374/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 17%
227,595
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $1,295/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Richmond 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 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Des Moines?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Des Moines?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $1,295/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Iowa?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Des Moines

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino 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