Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Des Moines is 24% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $57,051 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 Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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