Council Bluffs, IA vs Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Council Bluffs has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Council Bluffs | Des Moines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 71 | 75 | Council Bluffs |
| Housing | 47 ($686) | 53 ($738) | Council Bluffs |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Council Bluffs |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 86 ($353) | Tie |
| Utilities | 74 ($85) | 77 ($95) | Council Bluffs |
| Healthcare | 74 ($61) | 77 ($69) | Council Bluffs |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 100 ($48,540) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Council Bluffs, IA or Des Moines, IA cheaper to live in?
Council Bluffs, IA is cheaper overall by about 4 index points (Council Bluffs, IA: 71, Des Moines, IA: 75; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Council Bluffs, IA vs Des Moines, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $24,850/year in Council Bluffs, IA and $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA to cover basic living costs.