Des Moines vs El Paso for Remote Workers (2026)
Comparing cost of living, state income taxes, internet costs, and quality of life for remote workers considering Des Moines, IA vs El Paso, TX.
- El Paso has no state income tax — remote workers keep more take-home pay
- El Paso is 7 COL index points cheaper — roughly 7% lower overall costs
- Lower internet bill in Des Moines: $60/mo vs $60/mo
- More walkable without a commute: Des Moines (walk score 36 vs 28)
Remote work metrics
| Metric | Des Moines Iowa | El Paso Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87 | 80Better |
| State income tax | 5.7% | None (0%)Better |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,200 | $1,050Better |
| Internet / month | $60Better | $60 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 36 / 100Better | 28 / 100 |
| Monthly utilities | $155Better | $175 |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.9%Better | 8.3% |
| Est. monthly savings vs SF | +$5,515 | +$5,876Better |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or El Paso better for remote workers?
For remote workers, El Paso edges ahead based on overall cost of living, internet costs, and taxes. The no-state-income-tax advantage in El Paso is particularly valuable for remote workers with high salaries. The best choice depends on your priorities — cost vs walkability vs community.
How much money can I save working remotely in Des Moines vs staying in San Francisco?
If you earn $120K remotely and relocate from San Francisco (COL index 194) to Des Moines (COL index 87), you'd save approximately $5,515/month on equivalent purchasing power — or about $66,180/year. This doesn't account for potential salary adjustments.
What is internet service like in Des Moines vs El Paso?
Median monthly internet costs are $60 in Des Moines and $60 in El Paso. Both cities have competitive broadband options suitable for remote work, including gigabit fiber in most areas.
Can I negotiate a remote salary if I move from a high-cost city to Des Moines or El Paso?
Many employers now use location-based pay. Moving from a top-tier city to Des Moines could trigger a salary adjustment. Even at 85% of a $150K SF salary ($127.5K), the lower COL in Des Moines or El Paso typically means significantly higher purchasing power and take-home after local taxes.
Which city has better walkability for remote workers who don't need to commute?
Des Moines has a higher walk score (36 vs 28), meaning more errands, coffee shops, and restaurants are reachable on foot — a big quality-of-life factor when you're home all day. Walk scores above 70 are considered "very walkable."
SF savings estimate based on COL index vs San Francisco (194). Actual savings depend on lifestyle and salary adjustments. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
See full side-by-side comparison
All 20+ cost categories including groceries, transportation, and leisure.