Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Des Moines is 4% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $71,774 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Des Moines (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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