Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Des Moines is 9% more affordable than Spokane. A $75,000 salary in Spokane is equivalent to $68,112 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 Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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