Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Des Moines is 23% more affordable than Frisco. A $75,000 salary in Frisco is equivalent to $58,043 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 Frisco sits at 142 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $500,000 in Frisco, a difference of $290,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,900 in Frisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Frisco scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Frisco (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $126,048 in Frisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
Amazon affiliate links