Council Bluffs, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Council Bluffs is 18% cheaper than West Des Moines. With a cost index of 76 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Council Bluffs to West Des Moines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Council Bluffs is $980/month compared to $1,194/month in West Des Moines — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Council Bluffs is more affordable at $164,300 median vs $286,300.

Median household income in Council Bluffs is $64,092 compared to $84,925 in West Des Moines (-24.5%). While West Des Moines is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Council Bluffs spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 16.9% in West Des Moines.