Is Des Moines or El Paso more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while El Paso is $900/month. El Paso is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs El Paso, TX
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and El Paso.
1
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
4
El Paso wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
TX
El Paso
Overview
214,133
Population
678,815
$57,000✓
Median Income
-22.8%$44,000
Cost of Living
$1,000
Median Rent / mo
-10.0%$900✓
$220,000
Median Home Price
-20.5%$175,000✓
21%
Rent-to-Income %
25%
Taxes
3.90%
State Income Tax
None✓
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
8.25%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
77°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
52°F
204 days
Sunny Days / Year
297 days✓
36"
Annual Rainfall
10"
Who should choose
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is a city in Iowa with a population of 214,133.
Read full Des Moines guide →Who should choose
El Paso, TX
El Paso is a city in Texas with a population of 678,815.
Read full El Paso guide →Des Moines vs El Paso — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or El Paso?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. El Paso wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and El Paso?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. El Paso gets 297 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in El Paso: 77°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or El Paso?
Des Moines. El Paso. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.