Quick answer
Des Moines costs $85/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,775/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 5%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Huntsville
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 Huntsville at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,650 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $395K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $165 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $360 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $1,775 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 50/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% ✓ | 5% |
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 $1,250 in Huntsville — 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: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 5% in Huntsville. 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 Des Moines are $245K vs $395K in Huntsville. At a 20% down payment, that's a $30,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $5 more per month than Huntsville. 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
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville 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.
Huntsville
Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Warm summers (80-90°F), mild springs/falls, cool winters (40-50°F). Moderate rainfall year-round.
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Huntsville 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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Huntsville if…
- →You're a Aerospace & tech professionals
- →You're a Families seeking strong schools + tech job market
- →You're a Remote workers in tech
- →You're a Those relocating from California or Northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $1,775 in Huntsville — a $85/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Huntsville?
Huntsville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 50/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Huntsville: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $160/year vs Huntsville (5%).
Is Des Moines or Huntsville better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $395K in Huntsville — a $150,000 difference on the median home.