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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $583/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Overall Cost
↑ 7.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$583
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.0K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$228K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:108
Median Home:$512K

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Research Triangle
  • •State capital
  • •Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 18.8%
Des Moines, IA
$2,079
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$390
more
📦Other
↑ 6.3%
Des Moines, IA
$1,607
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$100
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 11.8%
Des Moines, IA
$682
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$80.54
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 16.3%
Des Moines, IA
$470
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$76.50
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 5.5%
Des Moines, IA
$909
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$49.96
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 3.3%
Des Moines, IA
$1,243
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$40.98
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$1,570
↑ $550
1 Bed
From$1,060
To$1,640
↑ $580
2 Bed
From$1,260
To$1,800
↑ $540
3 Bed
From$1,720
To$2,255
↑ $535
Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$6,990
Monthly in Des Moines, IA
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$577
Difference

Home Values

Des Moines
Raleigh
$228K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +1.2%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +32.4%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$157K - $344K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 124% more expensive than Des Moines

Calculate payment - Des MoinesCalculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $3.6K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$298
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.4%
Rate difference

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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

Des Moines
Raleigh
45 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
67.5%
Good Air Days
61.7%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
96 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Des Moines, IA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $250/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $250/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $83.33/mo

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TXDenver, CONashville, TN

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