Quick answer
Des Moines costs $515/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,205/mo). But Austin's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,840/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Austin 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: October 21, 2026
Austin vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Austin | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $548K | $245K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $175 | $170 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 | $370 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,205 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 41/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 34/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 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 Austin — a $500/month difference, or $6,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Austin charges None state income tax vs 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $3,840/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $548K in Austin. At a 20% down payment, that's a $60,600 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Austin utilities run $5 more per month than Des Moines. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Austin, TX
Austin 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
Austin
300+ sunny days; summers run 100–110°F for 60+ days June–September; mild short winters; ERCOT grid has blackout history in extreme weather
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Austin top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Austin if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a young professionals
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a musicians
- →You want zero state income tax
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 Austin 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 $2,205 in Austin — a $515/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Austin or Des Moines?
Des Moines is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 41/100. Austin is more car-dependent.
Austin vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Austin has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,840/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Austin or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $548K in Austin — a $303,000 difference on the median home.