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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Spokane is 29% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,141/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 8%
$65,745/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 3%
$326,200 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 44%
$1,213/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 6%
229,228
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $1,779/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Spokane 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Des Moines?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Des Moines?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $1,779/year higher in Spokane.
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 Spokane or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Des Moines details →

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