Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Des Moines is 14% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $64,183 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) match Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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