Quick answer
Des Moines costs $485/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,175/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 5.49%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Atlanta vs Des Moines
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Atlanta vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Atlanta | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $385K | $245K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $360 ✓ | $370 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,175 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 48/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 42/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 4.82% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Des Moines's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $1,650 in Atlanta — a $500/month difference, or $6,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 5.49% in Atlanta. On an $80K salary that's a $552/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,588 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $385K in Atlanta. At a 20% down payment, that's a $28,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $5 more per month than Atlanta.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Atlanta
Humid subtropical; hot summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms that shut down the city
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Atlanta top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Atlanta if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a film industry professionals
- →You're a logistics professionals
- →You're a Southern culture enthusiasts
Move to Des Moines if…
- →You're a Insurance and financial services professionals
- →You're a Families seeking excellent schools and safety
- →You're a Anyone valuing Midwestern hospitality and community
- →You're a Young professionals interested in startup culture
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $2,175 in Atlanta — a $485/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Atlanta or Des Moines?
Atlanta is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Atlanta vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $552/year vs Atlanta (5.49%).
Is Atlanta or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $385K in Atlanta — a $140,000 difference on the median home.