Des Moines, IA vs Sioux City, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Sioux City has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Des Moines | Sioux City | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 72 | Sioux City |
| Housing | 53 ($738) | 47 ($655) | Sioux City |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Sioux City |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 88 ($361) | Des Moines |
| Utilities | 77 ($95) | 74 ($85) | Sioux City |
| Healthcare | 77 ($69) | 74 ($61) | Sioux City |
| 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 Sioux City, IA cheaper to live in?
Sioux City, IA is cheaper overall by about 3 index points (Des Moines, IA: 75, Sioux City, IA: 72; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA vs Sioux City, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA and $25,200/year in Sioux City, IA to cover basic living costs.