Is Des Moines or Las Vegas more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while Las Vegas is $1,500/month. Des Moines is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs Las Vegas, NV
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and Las Vegas.
2
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
3
Las Vegas wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
NV
Las Vegas
Overview
214,133
Population
641,903
$57,000
Median Income
+2.8%$58,573✓
Cost of Living
$1,000✓
Median Rent / mo
+50.0%$1,500
$220,000✓
Median Home Price
+72.7%$380,000
21%
Rent-to-Income %
31%
Taxes
3.90%
State Income Tax
None✓
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
8.38%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
80°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
56°F
204 days
Sunny Days / Year
294 days✓
36"
Annual Rainfall
4"
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
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is a city in Nevada with a population of 641,903.
Read full Las Vegas guide →Des Moines vs Las Vegas — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or Las Vegas?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. Nevada has no state income tax. Las Vegas wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and Las Vegas?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. Las Vegas gets 294 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in Las Vegas: 80°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or Las Vegas?
Des Moines. Las Vegas. 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.