Quick answer
Spokane costs $55/month less overall ($1,635 vs $1,690/mo). Spokane also has lower state income tax (None (W-2) vs 4.82%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines vs Spokane
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
Des Moines vs Spokane at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 | $1,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,350 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $360K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $150 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 ✓ | $385 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 | $1,635 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 49/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 34/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% | None (W-2) ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Spokane's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $1,150 in Des Moines — a $50/month difference, or $600/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Spokane charges None (W-2) 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 $360K in Spokane. At a 20% down payment, that's a $23,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Des Moines utilities run $20 more per month than Spokane. 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
Spokane, WA
Spokane 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.
Spokane
Real four seasons with cold, snowy winters (December-February); dry desert climate; average 250 sunny days annually; summer wildfire smoke June-September; fall and spring are spectacular
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Spokane 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 Spokane if…
- →You're a Remote workers
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a People escaping high taxes
- →You're a Families on moderate budgets
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Spokane is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,635 in Spokane vs $1,690 in Des Moines — a $55/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Spokane?
Spokane is more walkable with a Walk Score of 49/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Spokane: which has lower state income tax?
Spokane has lower state income tax (None (W-2)). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,840/year vs Des Moines (4.82%).
Is Des Moines or Spokane better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $360K in Spokane — a $115,000 difference on the median home.