Is Des Moines or Fort Worth more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while Fort Worth is $1,350/month. Des Moines is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs Fort Worth, TX
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and Fort Worth.
2
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
3
Fort Worth wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
TX
Fort Worth
Overview
214,133
Population
935,508
$57,000
Median Income
+3.0%$58,695✓
Cost of Living
$1,000✓
Median Rent / mo
+35.0%$1,350
$220,000✓
Median Home Price
+34.1%$295,000
21%
Rent-to-Income %
28%
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
55°F
204 days
Sunny Days / Year
229 days✓
36"
Annual Rainfall
36"
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
Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth is a city in Texas with a population of 935,508.
Read full Fort Worth guide →Des Moines vs Fort Worth — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or Fort Worth?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. Fort Worth wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and Fort Worth?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. Fort Worth gets 229 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in Fort Worth: 77°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or Fort Worth?
Des Moines. Fort Worth. 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.