Des Moines vs Lexington for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines Iowa | Lexington Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $950Better | $1,100 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,600Better | $1,750 |
| Median home price | $255KBetter | $270K |
| Median household income | $62KBetter | $56K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,131Better | $1,157 |
| State income tax | 5.7% | 4%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.9% | 6%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $155Better | $158 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96Better | 96 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Des Moines or Lexington?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Des Moines scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,600/mo in Des Moines vs $1,750/mo. Des Moines is approximately 2% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Des Moines vs Lexington?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,600/month in Des Moines and $1,750/month in Lexington. Des Moines is 9% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Des Moines or Lexington?
The price-to-income ratio in Des Moines is 4.1× ($255K median home, $62K median income). In Lexington it's 4.8× ($270K home, $56K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Des Moines is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Des Moines vs Lexington?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,131/month in Des Moines and $1,157/month in Lexington, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$312/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Des Moines has a 5.7% state income tax rate vs Lexington's 4% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $170/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Des Moines has the same purchasing power as $102K in Lexington
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026