Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Des Moines is 20% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $60,135 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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