Cost of Living: Des Moines vs Washington (2026)
Des Moines has a 43% lower overall cost of living than Washington as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,200/mo in Des Moines vs $3,100/mo in Washington — a 61% difference.
- Des Moines is 43% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 153)
- 1BR rent: $1,200/mo in Des Moines vs $3,100/mo — 61% savings
- Higher median household income: Washington ($100,000/yr vs $62,000/yr)
- Median home price: $255,000 in Des Moines vs $650,000 — 61% difference
| Category | Des Moines Iowa | Washington District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $950Best | $2,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,200Best | $3,100 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,600Best | $4,200 |
| Median home price | $255KBest | $650K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96Best | 111 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $18 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $75 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $50Best | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.60 |
| Car insurance/mo | $142Best | $185 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $155Best | $190 |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $75 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $62K | $100KBest |
| State income tax% | 5.7%Best | 5.8% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.9% | 6.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $17.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $65 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50Best | $8.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 153 |
| Walk score / 100 | 36 | 77Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines cheaper than Washington?
Yes. Des Moines is 43% cheaper than Washington based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 153, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Des Moines vs Washington?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines is $1,200/month and in Washington is $3,100/month. Des Moines is cheaper by 61%.
How much do I need to earn in Washington to match a $75,000 salary in Des Moines?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $131,897/year in Washington to match a $75,000 salary in Des Moines. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or Washington?
Des Moines has the lower state income tax rate at 5.7% vs 5.8%. The difference is 0.1 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Des Moines to Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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