Quick answer
Des Moines costs $260/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,950/mo). But Salt Lake City's 4.65% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $120/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Salt Lake City
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 Salt Lake City at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,850 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,850 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $520K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $145 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $355 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $1,950 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 62/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 48/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% | 4.65% ✓ |
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 Salt Lake City — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Salt Lake City charges 4.65% state income tax vs 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $120/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $5,580 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $520K in Salt Lake City. At a 20% down payment, that's a $55,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $25 more per month than Salt Lake City. 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
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Salt Lake City
Four seasons; cold snowy winters (world-class skiing 45 min away), warm dry summers, 300 sunny days
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Salt Lake City 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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Salt Lake City if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a skiers
- →You're a families
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $1,950 in Salt Lake City — a $260/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is more walkable with a Walk Score of 62/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Salt Lake City: which has lower state income tax?
Salt Lake City has lower state income tax (4.65%). On an $80K salary, that saves $120/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Des Moines or Salt Lake City better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $520K in Salt Lake City — a $275,000 difference on the median home.