Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Des Moines is 18% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $61,806 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Des Moines (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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