Des Moines, IA vs Iowa City, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Des Moines has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Des Moines | Iowa City | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 86 | Des Moines |
| Housing | 53 ($738) | 79 ($766) | Des Moines |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Iowa City |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 77 ($316) | Iowa City |
| Utilities | 77 ($95) | 90 ($142) | Des Moines |
| Healthcare | 77 ($69) | 90 ($103) | Des Moines |
| 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 Des Moines, IA or Iowa City, IA cheaper to live in?
Des Moines, IA is cheaper overall by about 11 index points (Des Moines, IA: 75, Iowa City, IA: 86; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA vs Iowa City, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA and $30,100/year in Iowa City, IA to cover basic living costs.