Roanoke vs Des Moines for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Roanoke Virginia | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,200Better | $1,200 |
| Median home price | $240KBetter | $255K |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 5.7%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 5.5%Better | 6.9% |
| Monthly utilities | $155Better | $155 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95Better | 96 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $435Better | $435 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 38 / 100Better | 36 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Better | 87 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Roanoke or Des Moines?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Roanoke scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $240K in Roanoke vs $255K in Des Moines. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Roanoke or Des Moines?
Des Moines has the lower state income tax rate (5.7% vs 5.8%). 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 Roanoke 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 $435 in Roanoke and $435 in Des Moines. That's a difference of ~$0/month, or ~$0/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Roanoke on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Roanoke, rent alone would consume approximately 29% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,200/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 61% (~$2,542/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Roanoke has a higher walk score (38 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. Roanoke offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Roanoke has the same purchasing power as $50K/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