Quick answer
Des Moines costs $200/month less overall ($1,690 vs $1,890/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 4.9%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Santa Fe
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 Santa Fe at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $650K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $140 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 | $350 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $1,890 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 73/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 32/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% ✓ | 4.9% |
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 Santa Fe — a $250/month difference, or $3,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 4.9% in Santa Fe. On an $80K salary that's a $80/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,880 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $650K in Santa Fe. At a 20% down payment, that's a $81,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $30 more per month than Santa Fe. 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
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe'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.
Santa Fe
High desert with mild to warm summers (75°F average), cold winters (30°F average, 30 inches snow), intense sun, and low humidity (35%). Elevation 7,000 feet.
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe if…
- →You're a Artists and creative professionals
- →You're a Retirees with substantial savings
- →You're a Remote workers seeking inspiration
- →You're a Wellness and spirituality seekers
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Santa Fe cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $1,890 in Santa Fe — a $200/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is more walkable with a Walk Score of 73/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Santa Fe: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $80/year vs Santa Fe (4.9%).
Is Des Moines or Santa Fe better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $650K in Santa Fe — a $405,000 difference on the median home.