Quick answer
Des Moines costs $320/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,010/mo). But Colorado Springs's 4.4% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $320/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Colorado Springs 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
Colorado Springs vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Colorado Springs | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $465K | $245K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 | $370 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,010 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 36/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 24/100 | 29/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% ✓ | 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 $1,450 in Colorado Springs — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Colorado Springs charges 4.4% state income tax vs 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $320/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $465K in Colorado Springs. At a 20% down payment, that's a $44,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $5 more per month than Colorado Springs.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Colorado Springs, CO
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Colorado Springs. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Colorado Springs
High altitude (6,000 ft) creates cooler summers (75-85°F) and cold, snowy winters (10-25 inches annual snowfall); 300+ sunny days per year; dry desert-like conditions most of year; wildfire risk in surrounding forests; thin air at altitude requires acclimatization
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Colorado Springs top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Colorado Springs if…
- →You're a Military families
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts / climbers
- →You're a Aerospace professionals
- →You're a People seeking altitude and outdoor access
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 Colorado Springs 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 $2,010 in Colorado Springs — a $320/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Colorado Springs or Des Moines?
Des Moines is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 36/100. Colorado Springs is more car-dependent.
Colorado Springs vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Colorado Springs has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $320/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Colorado Springs or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $465K in Colorado Springs — a $220,000 difference on the median home.