Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
Des Moines is 41% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $43,914 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $540,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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