Quick answer
Des Moines costs $685/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,375/mo). But Boulder's 4.4% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $320/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Boulder 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: April 23, 2026
Boulder vs Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Boulder | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,400 | $1,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $1200K | $245K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 | $370 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,375 | $1,690 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 74/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 42/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% ✓ | 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 $1,850 in Boulder — a $700/month difference, or $8,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Boulder charges 4.4% state income tax vs 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $320/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $1200K in Boulder. At a 20% down payment, that's a $191,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $25 more per month than Boulder.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Boulder, CO
Boulder's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Boulder
High altitude (5,430 ft) with 300+ sunny days yearly. Winters are mild for the elevation with moderate snow; summers are cool and dry.
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Job Market
Boulder top industries
Des Moines top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Boulder if…
- →You're a Tech workers
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a Scientists & researchers
- →You're a Remote workers seeking active communities
- →You want to live without a car
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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder 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 $2,375 in Boulder — a $685/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Boulder or Des Moines?
Boulder is more walkable with a Walk Score of 74/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Boulder vs Des Moines: which has lower state income tax?
Boulder has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $320/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Boulder or Des Moines better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $1200K in Boulder — a $955,000 difference on the median home.