Des Moines, IA vs Iowa City, IA

Des Moines is moderately more affordable than Iowa City, with a 9.4% lower cost of living index. Des Moines scores 79 compared to 88 for Iowa City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Iowa City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month compared to $1,094/month in Iowa City — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Des Moines is more affordable at $183,700 median vs $273,600.

Median household income in Des Moines is $63,966 compared to $57,533 in Iowa City (+11.2%). Des Moines offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Des Moines spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, less than the 22.8% in Iowa City.