Des Moines vs Denver

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Colorado salaries

Living in Des Moines vs Denver

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,900 in Denver.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.

Relocating: Des Moines vs Denver

If you are considering a move between Des Moines (index: 89) and Denver (index: 118), the 25% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Des Moines is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Des Moines can afford $1,306/month, while the median household in Denver can afford $1,695/month. With median homes at $210,000 in Des Moines versus $520,000 in Denver, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $1,100/month in Des Moines and $1,900/month in Denver, renters save significantly in Des Moines. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Des Moines where costs are 11% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Des Moines (89) vs Denver (118)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Des Moines at 89 is 11% below the US average, while Denver at 118 is 18% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,100/month in Des Moines and $1,900/month in Denver, the annual rent difference is approximately $9,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $48,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $310,000 difference in median home prices between Des Moines and Denver translates to roughly $18,600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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