Question 1

Is Columbus or Des Moines cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines, IA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $246/month less than in Columbus, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,430/mo in Columbus versus $1,318/mo in Des Moines.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Columbus vs Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $71,000/year before tax in Columbus, OH and $64,500/year in Des Moines, IA — a difference of about $6,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Columbus or Des Moines cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,223/month in Columbus and $8,227/month in Des Moines, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Columbus or Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Des Moines costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Columbus81	Des Moines69
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,854	$3,608
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,223	$8,227
Salary for comfort	$71,000/yr	$64,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,430	$1,318
Median home value	$234,500	$183,700
Median household income	$65,327	$63,966
Unemployment	3.4%	3.5%
Housing score	69	84
Jobs score	84	84
Safety score	81	30
Climate score	94	81
Amenities score	56	38
Population	906.5K	212.5K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 23°	86° / 14°

Columbus, OH vs Des Moines, IA