Quick answer
Des Moines costs $705/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,395/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 4.95%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Chicago 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
Chicago vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Chicago | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $340K | $245K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $390 | $370 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,395 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 78/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 65/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 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 $1,850 in Chicago — a $700/month difference, or $8,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 4.95% in Chicago. On an $80K salary that's a $120/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,940 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $340K in Chicago. At a 20% down payment, that's a $19,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $15 more per month than Chicago.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Chicago, IL
Chicago's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Chicago
Four true seasons; brutal winters (wind chills below -20°F common); outstanding summers
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Chicago top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Chicago if…
- →You're a urban explorers
- →You're a foodies
- →You're a architecture lovers
- →You're a transit users
- →You're a theater fans
- →You want to live without a car
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 Chicago 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 $2,395 in Chicago — a $705/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Chicago or Des Moines?
Chicago is more walkable with a Walk Score of 78/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Chicago vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $120/year vs Chicago (4.95%).
Is Chicago or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $340K in Chicago — a $95,000 difference on the median home.