Is Des Moines or San Antonio more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while San Antonio is $1,100/month. Des Moines is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs San Antonio, TX
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and San Antonio.
3
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
San Antonio wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
TX
San Antonio
Overview
214,133
Population
1,434,625
$57,000✓
Median Income
-8.0%$52,455
Cost of Living
$1,000✓
Median Rent / mo
+10.0%$1,100
$220,000✓
Median Home Price
+13.6%$250,000
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
79°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
57°F
204 days
Sunny Days / Year
220 days✓
36"
Annual Rainfall
32"
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
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is a city in Texas with a population of 1,434,625.
Read full San Antonio guide →Des Moines vs San Antonio — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or San Antonio?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. San Antonio wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and San Antonio?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. San Antonio gets 220 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in San Antonio: 79°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or San Antonio?
Des Moines. San Antonio. 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.