Is Des Moines, IA cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Des Moines, IA is 3.6% cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI. This translates to saving $271 per month.

What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA to live like I do in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Grand Rapids, MI, you'd need approximately $146,750.107 in Des Moines, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Des Moines, IA?

Housing in Des Moines, IA is 5.4% more expensive than in Grand Rapids, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Des Moines, IA?

Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Des Moines, IA could save you approximately $271 per month, or $3250 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Grand Rapids, MI vs Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Grand Rapids, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $271/month moving to Des Moines, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.8K in Des Moines, IA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$271

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.2K

Per year

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$288K

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$228K

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 197K residents.

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Grand Rapids, MI vs Des Moines, IA

Category	Grand Rapids, MI	Des Moines, IA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,444/mo	$1,243/mo	↓ $201less	13.9%
Housing	$1,973/mo	$2,079/mo	↑ $106more	5.4%
Groceries	$972/mo	$909/mo	↓ $62.38less	6.4%
Healthcare	$728/mo	$682/mo	↓ $46.48less	6.4%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$470/mo	↓ $44.83less	8.7%
Other	$1,649/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $41.88less	2.5%

Transportation

↓ 13.9%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Difference

$201

less

Housing

↑ 5.4%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Difference

$106

Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Des Moines, IA

$909

Difference

$62.38

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.4%

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Des Moines, IA

$682

Difference

$46.48

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.7%

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Des Moines, IA

$470

Difference

$44.83

less

Other

↓ 2.5%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Difference

$41.88

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)

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

Studio

From$1,334

To$1,020

↓ $314

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,060

↓ $315

2 Bed

From$1,652

To$1,260

↓ $392

3 Bed

From$2,134

To$1,720

↓ $414

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/mo

Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$290

Difference

Home Values

Grand Rapids

Des Moines

$288K

Median Value

$228K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +40.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.4%

$229K - $481K

Price Range

$157K - $344K

Homes in Des Moines are 21% less expensive than Grand Rapids

Calculate payment - Grand Rapids Calculate payment - Des Moines

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$361

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

Grand Rapids, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

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

Additional Tax Information

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

💡 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.