📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Des Moines and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Des Moines vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Des Moines | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $60,882 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $211,500 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $186 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $899 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 86.1 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.1 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 31.2% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 35 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Des Moines: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis of Houston, Texas—a city that’s as big as its ambition. On the other, you have the charming, heartland hub of Des Moines, Iowa—a place that feels like the definition of "Midwest nice."
This isn't just about picking a new zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the high-energy grind of a major economic powerhouse, or are you looking for a slower pace with a serious bang for your buck?
Let’s cut through the noise. We’re diving deep into the data, the vibe, and the real-world trade-offs to help you decide which city deserves your next chapter.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Heartland Charm
Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a sprawling, diverse metropolis that never really sleeps. The culture here is a mashup of world-class food (the Tex-Mex alone is worth the move), booming arts scenes, and a relentless work ethic. It’s fast-paced, unapologetically loud, and offers a level of anonymity you just can’t get in a smaller city. This is the city for you if you crave endless options—whether it’s for dining, nightlife, or career opportunities in energy, healthcare, and tech. It’s a city of transplants, so you’ll fit in quickly.
Des Moines, on the other hand, is the cozy, well-kept secret of the Midwest. It’s a city of neighborhoods, not sprawl. The pace is noticeably slower, the people are genuinely friendly, and the sense of community is strong. It’s a place where you can own a home with a yard, enjoy a vibrant downtown, and still be minutes from a park or a lakeside trail. Des Moines is for you if you value balance, want to feel like part of a community, and prefer a "work to live" rather than "live to work" mentality. It’s big enough to have cool breweries and a legit food scene, but small enough that you won’t spend your life in traffic.
Verdict: This one’s purely personal. Houston wins for sheer scale and energy. Des Moines wins for accessible community and a calmer daily grind.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Feels Heavier
Let's talk dollars and cents. This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re not just looking at raw numbers; we’re looking at purchasing power—what your paycheck actually buys you.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of your essential monthly costs. (Note: Data is based on averages; your mileage may vary.)
| Category | Houston | Des Moines | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $211,500 | Des Moines |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $899 | Des Moines |
| Utilities (Monthly) | ~$140 | ~$180 | Houston |
| Groceries | ~$320 | ~$310 | Slight Edge: Des Moines |
| Housing Index | 106.5 (Above U.S. Avg) | 86.1 (Below U.S. Avg) | Des Moines |
Salary Wars & The Tax Twist:
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Houston, with 0% state income tax, your take-home pay is significantly higher than in a state with high taxes (like California or New York). Des Moines, however, has a state income tax that ranges from 3.9% to 6.5% depending on your bracket. So, while the gross salary might be the same, your net pay in Houston gives you a built-in advantage.
But here’s the kicker: housing costs eat a massive chunk of that advantage. In Des Moines, a median home costs $211,500. In Houston, it’s $335,000—that’s 58% more expensive. Even with the tax savings, your mortgage or rent payment in Houston will be substantially higher.
Insight: If you’re a high earner (think $150k+), Houston’s no-income-tax structure combined with high earning potential in energy/tech could leave you with more disposable cash. For most middle-income earners, however, Des Moines offers a far more manageable cost of living. Your $100k will feel like $110k in Des Moines, while in Houston it might feel like $85k after housing and insurance costs.
Winner for Purchasing Power: Des Moines. It’s not even close for the average worker.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
Houston:
- Buying: The market is competitive but sprawling. You get more square footage for your money compared to other major metros, but you’re also paying a premium for location. The median home is $335,000. Property taxes are high (no state income tax means they make it up elsewhere), so factor in an extra 2-3% annually. It’s a seller’s market in desirable neighborhoods, but buyer-friendly in the suburbs.
- Renting: Rent is climbing but still reasonable for a major metro. $1,135 for a 1-bedroom is a steal compared to NYC or SF. Availability is generally good due to constant population influx.
Des Moines:
- Buying: This is where Des Moines shines. The median home is $211,500. It’s one of the most affordable housing markets in the U.S. for a state capital. You can find a charming starter home in a great neighborhood for under $250k. It’s generally a buyer’s market, with less competition and more negotiating power.
- Renting: Also incredibly affordable at $899 for a 1-bedroom. The rental market is stable, with plenty of options from downtown apartments to suburban complexes.
Verdict: Des Moines is the clear winner for affordability and accessibility to homeownership. Houston offers more variety and space if you have a larger budget, but at a significantly higher entry point.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and traffic is a daily reality. The average commute is 26 minutes, but that can easily double during rush hour on I-45, I-10, or the 610 Loop. You will spend time in your car.
- Des Moines: A breeze. The average commute is 19 minutes. Traffic jams are rare and short-lived. You can cross the city in 15-20 minutes without breaking a sweat.
Winner: Des Moines. By a landslide.
Weather
- Houston: Hot and humid. The average temperature is 59°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are brutal, with highs often above 95°F and stifling humidity. Winters are mild, but you get occasional cold snaps and the threat of hurricanes. It’s a year-round AC climate.
- Des Moines: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (average temp 25°F), with real winter sports potential. Summers are warm and sunny, perfect for being outdoors without the oppressive humidity. You get all four seasons in their full glory (and fury).
Winner: Tie. This is pure preference. Hate the cold? Houston. Love fall foliage and snow days? Des Moines.
Crime & Safety
- Houston: Violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100k people. This is higher than the national average. Like any huge city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others have significant challenges.
- Des Moines: Violent crime rate is 567.0 per 100k people. This is also above the national average, but significantly lower than Houston’s rate. It’s a safer city on paper, and the smaller scale makes it feel more secure.
Winner: Des Moines. The data is clear, and the smaller city feel contributes to a greater sense of safety.
The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
After breaking down the data, the vibe, and the daily reality, here’s our head-to-head verdict.
Winner for Families: Des Moines
- Why: The trifecta of affordable housing, lower crime rates, and shorter commutes is unbeatable for raising kids. You get great schools, safe neighborhoods, and a community-oriented lifestyle without the financial strain of a major metro. Your $211,500 median home price buys a lot more space for a family than Houston’s $335,000.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston
- Why: The sheer scale of opportunity is unmatched. The job market in energy, healthcare, and tech is massive. The nightlife, food scene, and cultural diversity offer endless things to do and meet people. The no-income-tax is a huge boost for building wealth early in your career. You’ll just have to stomach the higher cost of living and traffic.
Winner for Retirees: Des Moines
- Why: Predictable seasons, lower overall cost of living, and a slower pace of life are ideal for retirement. Access to healthcare is excellent (Iowa has top-ranked hospitals), and the community vibe makes it easy to stay engaged. The manageable size and shorter winters (compared to the Midwest's northern states) are a plus. Houston’s heat and humidity can be a serious health consideration for retirees.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Houston, Texas
Pros:
- Zero State Income Tax – More money in your pocket.
- Massive Job Market – Diverse and booming industries.
- World-Class Food & Culture – Unmatched diversity and flavor.
- No Extreme Winters – Mild winters (if you ignore the humidity).
- International Airport – Easy global travel.
Cons:
- High Cost of Living – Especially housing and insurance.
- Brutal Humidity & Heat – Summer is long and oppressive.
- Traffic & Sprawl – Car dependence is mandatory.
- Higher Crime Rates – Varies by neighborhood, but city-wide is high.
- Hurricane Risk – Annual threat from June-November.
Des Moines, Iowa
Pros:
- Extremely Affordable – Low housing and overall living costs.
- Short Commutes – Easy to get around.
- Safe & Community-Oriented – Smaller city feel with lower crime.
- Four Beautiful Seasons – Enjoy all weather types.
- Balanced Lifestyle – Work-life balance is achievable.
Cons:
- State Income Tax – Reduces take-home pay.
- Limited Scale – Fewer major league sports, less nightlife variety.
- Harsh Winters – Can be long, cold, and snowy.
- Smaller Job Market – Fewer Fortune 500 HQs and niche industries.
- Less Diversity – Culturally and racially less diverse than Houston.
Final Advice: If your priority is financial flexibility, career growth, and big-city amenities, and you can handle the heat and traffic, Houston is your powerhouse. If your priority is affordability, safety, community, and a balanced pace of life, Des Moines is your hidden gem. Choose wisely.