2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Stillwater, MN vs Des Moines, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Stillwater?
- Des Moines is 21.6% less expensive than Stillwater.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or Stillwater?
- Des Moines housing costs are 55.6% less expensive than Stillwater housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Stillwater or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 38.0% more in Des Moines.
 Stillwater, MNDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall110.486.6100
 Food & Groceries104.196.0100
 Health74.2102.4100
 Housing130.357.8100
 Median Home Cost$407,800$175,700$338,100
 Utilities9890100
 Transportation107.074.7100
 Miscellaneous139.5112.2100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Stillwater    6 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

The downtown is charming. Touristy at times in the summer and fall. Traffic can be a bear during those days. Lots of antique stores, lots of vintage houses. Water adds  More

   |    Reply

Stillwater is one of the most beautiful towns in the upper midwest. The view of the St. Croix River and the hills are reminiscent of the Rhine River Valley in Germany  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

Stillwater is beautiful for the short summer that we have. Low crime rate beautiful scenic area. 40 minutes to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Scenic water way and good job  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Stillwater

Reviews for Des Moines    53 Reviews

Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the  More

   |    Reply

Dude · 
Over 4 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Des Moines


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.