Quick answer
Des Moines costs $290/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,980/mo). But Dallas's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,840/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Dallas 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
Dallas vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Dallas | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $380K | $245K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $175 | $170 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 ✓ | $370 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,980 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 46/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 35/100 ✓ | 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 $1,450 in Dallas — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Dallas 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 $380K in Dallas. At a 20% down payment, that's a $27,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Dallas utilities run $5 more per month than Des Moines. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Dallas, TX
Dallas 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
Dallas
Hot summers (100°F+), mild winters with occasional ice storms, severe thunderstorm and tornado season in spring
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Dallas top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Dallas if…
- →You're a finance professionals
- →You're a corporate workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a families
- →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 Dallas 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 $1,980 in Dallas — a $290/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Dallas or Des Moines?
Dallas is more walkable with a Walk Score of 46/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Dallas vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Dallas has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,840/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Dallas or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $380K in Dallas — a $135,000 difference on the median home.