Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Des Moines is 6% more affordable than Fort Worth. A $75,000 salary in Fort Worth is equivalent to $70,263 in Des Moines.
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 Fort Worth sits at 87 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $270,000 in Fort Worth, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,400 in Fort Worth.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Fort Worth scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Fort Worth (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $62,187 in Fort Worth. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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