Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living
Des Moines, IA and Columbus, OH have similar living costs
$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Columbus, OH
Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.
Des Moines, IA
Columbus, OH
Des Moines, IA
The Hawkeye State
Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.
Columbus, OH
The Buckeye State
Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Columbus, OH
| Category | Des Moines, IA | Columbus, OH | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transportation | $1,243/mo | $1,366/mo | ↑ $123more | 9.9% |
Healthcare | $682/mo | $607/mo | ↓ $74.35less | 10.9% |
Groceries | $909/mo | $969/mo | ↑ $59.96more | 6.6% |
Other | $1,607/mo | $1,557/mo | ↓ $50.22less | 3.1% |
Housing | $2,079/mo | $2,053/mo | ↓ $25.99less | 1.3% |
All Utilities | $470/mo | $464/mo | ↓ $5.46less | 1.2% |
🏛️ Local Income Taxes
Des Moines, IA has no local income tax.
Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $960–$1,150/mo
1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo
💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.
Home Values
Homes in Columbus are 15% more expensive than Des Moines
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
Des Moines, IA
Columbus, OH
Additional Tax Information
Des Moines, IA Tax Rates
Columbus, OH Tax Rates
💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.
Environment
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and Ohio on TaxTakeHome.com
Where your money goes further
Cities cheaper than Des Moines, IA on a $150.0K salary
Want to compare different cities?
New Comparison