Boston vs Des Moines for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Boston Massachusetts | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $3,000 | $1,200Better |
| Median home price | $700K | $255KBetter |
| State income tax | 5%Better | 5.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.3%Better | 6.9% |
| Monthly utilities | $185 | $155Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 110 | 96Better |
| Est. healthcare / month | $810 | $435Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 80 / 100Better | 36 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 162 | 87Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Boston or Des Moines?
Boston and Des Moines are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Boston or Des Moines?
Boston has the lower state income tax rate (5% vs 5.7%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Boston vs Des Moines?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $810 in Boston and $435 in Des Moines. That's a difference of ~$375/month, or ~$4,500/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Boston on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Boston, rent alone would consume approximately 72% of your budget (1BR rent ~$3,000/mo) and healthcare another ~19%. That leaves roughly 9% (~$375/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Boston has a higher walk score (80 vs 36 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Boston offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Boston has the same purchasing power as $27K/year in Des Moines
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026