Quick answer
Des Moines costs $190/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,880/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 7.65%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Madison
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Des Moines vs Madison at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,720 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,720 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $370K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $145 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $355 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $1,880 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 63/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 46/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% ✓ | 7.65% |
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 $1,380 in Madison — a $230/month difference, or $2,760/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $2,280/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $370K in Madison. At a 20% down payment, that's a $25,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $25 more per month than Madison. 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
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Madison 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 Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Madison cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $1,880 in Madison — a $190/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Madison?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Madison: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,280/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Des Moines or Madison better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $370K in Madison — a $125,000 difference on the median home.