Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living
You'd save $196/month moving to Kansas City, KS
$150.0K in your current city equals $147.7K in Kansas City, KS
Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.
Des Moines, IA
Kansas City, KS
Des Moines, IA
The Hawkeye State
Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.
Kansas City, KS
The Sunflower State
Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 153K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Kansas City, KS
| Category | Des Moines, IA | Kansas City, KS | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | $2,079/mo | $1,845/mo | ↓ $234less | 11.3% |
Healthcare | $682/mo | $599/mo | ↓ $82.32less | 12.1% |
Transportation | $1,243/mo | $1,184/mo | ↓ $59.02less | 4.7% |
All Utilities | $470/mo | $528/mo | ↑ $58.54more | 12.5% |
Other | $1,607/mo | $1,565/mo | ↓ $41.90less | 2.6% |
Groceries | $909/mo | $937/mo | ↑ $27.51more | 3.0% |
🏛️ 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: $900–$1,650/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 Kansas City are 30% less 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
Kansas City, KS
Additional Tax Information
Des Moines, IA Tax Rates
Kansas City, KS 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 Kansas on TaxTakeHome.com
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