Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Des Moines is 17% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $62,383 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Des Moines (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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