Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Washington is 144% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,900/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 45%
$106,287/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 40%
$724,600 ↑ 294%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 75%
$2,103/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 46%
672,079
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $846/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $10,152/year.

Median household income is $42,321/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Des Moines?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $846/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Des Moines?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $42,321/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Iowa?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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