Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Seattle is 180% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,998/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 47%
$121,984/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 48%
$912,100 ↑ 397%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 80%
$2,220/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 49%
741,440
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $944/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $11,328/year.

Median household income is $58,018/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Des Moines?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $944/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Des Moines?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $58,018/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Iowa?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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.
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More Comparisons

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