Des Moines vs Lancaster
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Des Moines
Lancaster
The Verdict
Des Moines is 11.0% less expensive than Lancaster overall. A household earning $75,000 in Des Moines would need approximately $84,270 in Lancaster to maintain the same standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Des Moines has the same purchasing power as $84,270 in Lancaster.
Conversely, $75,000 in Lancaster equals $66,750 in Des Moines.
Living in Des Moines vs Lancaster
Housing Costs
Des Moines's housing index of 74 is higher Lancaster's 67, translating to median home prices of $210,000 vs $225,000. The $15,000 difference in home prices means roughly $972 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Des Moines compared to $1,175/mo in Lancaster, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Des Moines and 97 in Lancaster. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Des Moines vs $461/month in Lancaster. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 93 in Des Moines and 110 in Lancaster. Monthly utility bills average approximately $372 in Des Moines vs $440 in Lancaster. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 97 in Des Moines and 94 in Lancaster. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $55,958 in Des Moines and $63,700 in Lancaster. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $62,874 and $63,700 respectively. Lancaster residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,306/month to housing in Des Moines vs $1,486/month in Lancaster. In Des Moines, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In Lancaster, median rent of $1,175/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases