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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Tacoma is 80% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,597/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 34%
$83,857/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 24%
$454,600 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 60%
$1,747/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
220,482
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $19,891/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Des Moines?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Des Moines?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $19,891/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Des Moines details →

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