Is Des Moines, IA cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Des Moines, IA is 1.1% cheaper than Lincoln, NE. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $149,010.989 in Des Moines, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Des Moines, IA?

Housing in Des Moines, IA is 1.2% cheaper than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA?

Moving from Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA could save you approximately $82 per month, or $989 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE 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 Lincoln, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $82.42/month moving to Des Moines, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Des Moines, IA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$82.42

Savings

Annual Impact

$989

Per year

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

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$228K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 295K 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: Lincoln, NE vs Des Moines, IA

Category	Lincoln, NE	Des Moines, IA	Difference	Change
Groceries	$949/mo	$909/mo	↓ $39.97less	4.2%
Other	$1,574/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $33.48more	2.1%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,079/mo	↓ $25.99less	1.2%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,243/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$470/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$682/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Des Moines, IA

$909

Difference

$39.97

less

Other

↑ 2.1%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Difference

$33.48

Housing

↓ 1.2%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Difference

$25.99

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Des Moines, IA

$470

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Des Moines, IA

$682

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$920

To$1,020

↑ $100

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,060

↑ $60.00

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,260

↑ $30.00

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$1,720

↑ $15.00

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/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.

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$32.48

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Des Moines

$274K

Median Value

$228K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.4%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$157K - $344K

Homes in Des Moines are 17% less expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Des Moines

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$114

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Lincoln, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

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

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.