Quick answer
Des Moines costs $175/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,865/mo). But Plano's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,840/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Plano
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 Plano at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $475K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $155 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $310 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $1,865 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 58/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% | None ✓ |
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 $1,400 in Plano — a $250/month difference, or $3,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Plano charges None state income tax vs 4.82% in Des Moines. On an $80K salary that's a $3,840/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,760 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $475K in Plano. At a 20% down payment, that's a $46,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $15 more per month than Plano. 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
Plano, TX
Plano 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.
Plano
Hot, humid subtropical. Summers (June-September) reach 95-98°F with 60-70% humidity. Winters are mild (50-65°F). Occasional ice storms; severe thunderstorms and tornado risk May-June.
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Plano 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 Plano if…
- →You're a Tech workers
- →You're a Corporate professionals
- →You're a Families seeking suburbs
- →You're a People avoiding state income tax
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Plano cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $1,865 in Plano — a $175/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Plano?
Plano is more walkable with a Walk Score of 58/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Plano: which has lower state income tax?
Plano has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,840/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Des Moines or Plano better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $475K in Plano — a $230,000 difference on the median home.