Quick answer
Memphis costs $235/month less overall ($1,455 vs $1,690/mo). Memphis also has lower state income tax (None vs 4.82%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Memphis
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
Des Moines vs Memphis at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 | $1,220 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 | $1,220 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $245K | $195K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $325 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 | $1,455 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 45/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 29/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $1,150 in Des Moines — a $170/month difference, or $2,040/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Memphis 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 Memphis are $195K vs $245K in Des Moines. At a 20% down payment, that's a $10,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $20 more per month than Memphis. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Memphis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $1,690 in Des Moines — a $235/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Memphis?
Des Moines is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Memphis: which has lower state income tax?
Memphis has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,840/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Des Moines or Memphis better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $245K in Des Moines — a $50,000 difference on the median home.