Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
El Paso is 4% more affordable than Des Moines. A $75,000 salary in Des Moines is equivalent to $71,629 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while El Paso sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $185,000 in El Paso, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,000 in El Paso.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while El Paso scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than El Paso (89).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $47,568 in El Paso. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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