Is Des Moines or St. Louis more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while St. Louis is $950/month. St. Louis is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs St. Louis, MO
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and St. Louis.
2
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
3
St. Louis wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
MO
St. Louis
Overview
214,133
Population
293,310
$57,000✓
Median Income
-26.3%$42,000
Cost of Living
$1,000
Median Rent / mo
-5.0%$950✓
$220,000
Median Home Price
-25.0%$165,000✓
21%
Rent-to-Income %
27%
Taxes
3.90%✓
State Income Tax
4.70%
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
8.68%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
64°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
44°F
204 days
Sunny Days / Year
205 days✓
36"
Annual Rainfall
40"
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
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is a city in Missouri with a population of 293,310.
Read full St. Louis guide →Des Moines vs St. Louis — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or St. Louis?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. Missouri has a 4.70% state income tax. Des Moines wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and St. Louis?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. St. Louis gets 205 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in St. Louis: 64°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or St. Louis?
Des Moines. St. Louis. 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.