Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Des Moines is 18% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $61,239 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 Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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