Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Des Moines is 18% more affordable than Henderson. A $75,000 salary in Henderson is equivalent to $61,806 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Henderson sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $420,000 in Henderson, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,500 in Henderson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Henderson scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Henderson (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $72,238 in Henderson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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