Quick answer
Des Moines costs $10/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,700/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 5%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Birmingham vs Des Moines
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Birmingham vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Birmingham | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,350 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,400 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $230K ✓ | $245K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 | $370 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,700 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 39/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 21/100 | 29/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 4.82% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Des Moines's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $1,150 in Birmingham — a $0/month difference, or $0/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 5% in Birmingham. On an $80K salary that's a $160/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,000 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Birmingham are $230K vs $245K in Des Moines. At a 20% down payment, that's a $3,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $170/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Birmingham, AL
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Birmingham. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Birmingham
Hot and humid summers; mild winters with occasional freezing.
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Birmingham top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Birmingham if…
- →You're a Healthcare workers and medical professionals
- →You're a Civil rights history enthusiasts
- →You're a Anyone seeking Southern hospitality with urban amenities
- →You're a Professionals in finance and banking
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Des Moines if…
- →You're a Insurance and financial services professionals
- →You're a Families seeking excellent schools and safety
- →You're a Anyone valuing Midwestern hospitality and community
- →You're a Young professionals interested in startup culture
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birmingham or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $1,700 in Birmingham — a $10/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Birmingham or Des Moines?
Des Moines is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 39/100. Birmingham is more car-dependent.
Birmingham vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $160/year vs Birmingham (5%).
Is Birmingham or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Birmingham has lower median home prices at $230K vs $245K in Des Moines — a $15,000 difference on the median home.