Is Des Moines or Seattle more affordable?
Des Moines has a median rent of $1,000/month, while Seattle is $1,801/month. Des Moines is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Des Moines, IA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Des Moines and Seattle.
3
Des Moines wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Seattle wins
IA
Des Moines
vs
WA
Seattle
Overview
214,133
Population
726,054
$57,000
Median Income
+84.9%$105,391✓
Cost of Living
$1,000✓
Median Rent / mo
+80.1%$1,801
$220,000✓
Median Home Price
+248.9%$767,500
21%
Rent-to-Income %
21%
Taxes
3.90%
State Income Tax
None✓
7.00%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate & Weather
62°F
Avg High Temp
49.82°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
46.72°F
204 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
N/A
36"
Annual Rainfall
N/A
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
Seattle, WA
Seattle is a city in Washington with a population of 726,054.
Read full Seattle guide →Des Moines vs Seattle — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Des Moines or Seattle?
Iowa has a 3.90% state income tax. Washington has no state income tax. Seattle wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Des Moines and Seattle?
Des Moines gets 204 sunny days/year. Avg high in Des Moines: 62°F. Avg high in Seattle: 49.82°F
Which city is better for families — Des Moines or Seattle?
Des Moines. Seattle. 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.