Choosing between Des Moines and St. Joseph? You're not alone — it's one of the most common relocation comparisons in the US. The numbers tell a clear story: St. Joseph comes in 11% more affordable overall, with a cost index of 78 compared to Des Moines's 89. But raw numbers only tell part of the story. This comparison breaks down exactly where each city saves you money — and where it costs more.
St. Joseph is the more affordable choice between Des Moines and St. Joseph, with a 11% lower overall cost index. St. Joseph has the recurring monthly cost edge at roughly $193/mo, while Des Moines has the stronger salary-side advantage.
This comparison separates lower living costs from higher salary potential so a move decision does not over-credit one number. Use the cards below to see the main trade-offs before going into the full category table.
St. Joseph is ahead on recurring modeled costs, or about $2,316/yr.
Des Moines wins 25 total categories; St. Joseph wins 37. Salary categories are judged by higher pay.
ACS median household income differs by about $7,976 between the two cities.
ACS median gross rent is separated by about $192/mo.
Overall Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Des Moines | St. Joseph | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | B+ | A+ | Tie |
| Housing | A | A+ | Tie |
| Food | B+ | A | Tie |
| Healthcare | A | A | Tie |
| Transportation | B+ | A | Tie |
| Utilities | B | A+ | Tie |
Rent, Food, and Utility Differences
Housing
Housing costs are primarily driven by local real estate markets and land values.
Food & Groceries
Food & Groceries costs are primarily driven by local supply chains and regional agriculture.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs are primarily driven by local provider networks and state regulations.
Transportation
Transportation costs are primarily driven by local public transit availability and fuel costs.
Utilities
Utilities costs are primarily driven by local energy sources and climate demands.
Services
Services costs are primarily driven by local labor markets and demand density.
Key Cost Comparisons
Cost of Living
Home Services
Business Startup Costs
Insurance
Legal Services
Salaries & Jobs
Which City Gives You More Buying Power?
The "better" city depends on your situation. Here's how different profiles stack up:
Remote Worker
→ St. JosephIf your salary doesn't depend on location, St. Joseph's 11% lower costs translate directly into more savings or disposable income. Your paycheck goes further without a pay cut.
Young Professional
→ St. JosephBoth cities are moderately priced, but St. Joseph's lower costs help you build savings earlier in your career when compound growth matters most.
Family with Kids
→ St. JosephFamilies face multiplied costs — housing, groceries, healthcare, and transportation all scale with household size. St. Joseph's 11% advantage compounds across every budget category.
Small Business Owner
→ St. JosephLower operating costs in St. Joseph mean lower break-even points. Rent, utilities, insurance, and labor all come in cheaper, giving new businesses more runway to reach profitability.
Retiree
→ St. JosephOn a fixed income, every percentage point matters. St. Joseph's lower healthcare, housing, and everyday costs help retirement savings last longer.
Salary Equivalent Between Cities
St. Joseph has the lower overall cost index and wins 34 non-salary cost categories.Des Moines has the stronger salary edge across 7 salary categories, so wages are shown separately from affordability.
Move Decision Checklist
- Compare rent first: it is usually the biggest swing item between Des Moines and St. Joseph.
- Do not mix salary and affordability: use Des Moines for pay leverage and St. Joseph for spending power.
- Run the move-shock and salary-needed pages before committing to deposits, movers, or a lease.
Explore Each City
Explore Specific Costs
Dive deeper into specific cost topics for each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines or St. Joseph more affordable in 2026?
St. Joseph is 11% more affordable than Des Moines overall. St. Joseph wins 37 out of 62 cost categories. However, Des Moines may offer higher salaries in certain industries that can offset higher living costs.
What is the cost of living index for Des Moines vs St. Joseph?
Des Moines's cost of living index is 89; St. Joseph's is 78. A score of 100 represents the national average. Des Moines is below average; St. Joseph is below average. These figures are derived from BLS and Census data.
How do housing costs compare between Des Moines and St. Joseph?
Housing is typically the biggest cost difference between these cities. Des Moines (index: 89) and St. Joseph (index: 78) differ by 11% overall, with housing costs often diverging even more than the average. Check the Cost of Living section above for specific figures.
Which city is better for remote workers?
For remote workers earning a location-independent salary, St. Joseph is the clear winner. The 11% cost advantage means more of your paycheck goes to savings or discretionary spending. Des Moines makes more sense if your employer adjusts pay upward for that market.
About This Comparison
Limitations: ACS values are official citywide estimates, while some category costs remain modeled. Actual costs may vary by neighborhood, provider, timing, and household needs. Salary data reflects median full-time employment; contract and freelance rates differ. Last updated: May 2026.