Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Des Moines and San Antonio have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
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 San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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