Columbia, MO vs Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Des Moines has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Columbia | Des Moines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 86 | 75 | Des Moines |
| Housing | 77 ($747) | 53 ($738) | Des Moines |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Columbia |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 86 ($353) | Tie |
| Utilities | 89 ($139) | 77 ($95) | Des Moines |
| Healthcare | 89 ($100) | 77 ($69) | Des Moines |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,800) | 100 ($48,540) | Columbia |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia, MO or Des Moines, IA cheaper to live in?
Des Moines, IA is cheaper overall by about 11 index points (Columbia, MO: 86, Des Moines, IA: 75; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbia, MO vs Des Moines, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $30,100/year in Columbia, MO and $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA to cover basic living costs.