Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
45% cheaper
Des Moines is 45% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $41,204 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $410,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Des Moines scores 96.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Des Moines (97).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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