Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Des Moines is 7% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $69,531 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 Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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