Quick answer
Detroit costs $140/month less overall ($1,550 vs $1,690/mo). Detroit also has lower state income tax (4.25% vs 4.82%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Detroit
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
Des Moines vs Detroit at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 | $1,320 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 | $1,320 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $245K | $175K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $155 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $345 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 | $1,550 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 55/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 41/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% | 4.25% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Detroit's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $1,150 in Des Moines — a $100/month difference, or $1,200/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Detroit charges 4.25% state income tax vs 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $440/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $5,100 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Detroit are $175K vs $245K in Des Moines. At a 20% down payment, that's a $14,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $15 more per month than Detroit. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Detroit, MI
Detroit is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Detroit
Four seasons; cold winters with lake-effect snow, warm summers, exceptional fall colors
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Detroit top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
Move to Detroit if…
- →You're a auto / mobility tech workers
- →You're a artists and creatives
- →You're a value-seekers
- →You're a urban revival believers
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Detroit is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,550 in Detroit vs $1,690 in Des Moines — a $140/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Detroit?
Detroit is more walkable with a Walk Score of 55/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Detroit: which has lower state income tax?
Detroit has lower state income tax (4.25%). On an $80K salary, that saves $440/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Des Moines or Detroit better for buying a home?
Detroit has lower median home prices at $175K vs $245K in Des Moines — a $70,000 difference on the median home.