Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Des Moines is 17% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $62,383 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 Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) match Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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