Raleigh vs Des Moines

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Iowa salaries

Living in Raleigh vs Des Moines

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,100 in Des Moines.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Des Moines (97).

Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.

Relocating: Raleigh vs Des Moines

If you are considering a move between Raleigh (index: 102) and Des Moines (index: 89), the 13% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Des Moines is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Raleigh can afford $1,570/month, while the median household in Des Moines can afford $1,306/month. With median homes at $370,000 in Raleigh versus $210,000 in Des Moines, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,500/month in Raleigh and $1,100/month in Des Moines, renters save significantly in Des Moines. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Des Moines where costs are 11% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Raleigh (102) vs Des Moines (89)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Raleigh at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Des Moines at 89 is 11% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,500/month in Raleigh and $1,100/month in Des Moines, the annual rent difference is approximately $4,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $24,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $160,000 difference in median home prices between Raleigh and Des Moines translates to roughly $9,600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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