2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Cottage Grove, MN vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Cottage Grove?
- Des Moines is 21.6% less expensive than Cottage Grove.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or Cottage Grove?
- Des Moines housing costs are 48.7% less expensive than Cottage Grove housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Cottage Grove or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 38.0% more in Des Moines.
 Cottage Grove, MNDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries101.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing112.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$175,700$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.7100
 Miscellaneous139.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Cottage Grove    3 Reviews

After moving to Cottage Grove, MN (near the Twin Cities) nine years ago, I think the city has improved (its been an uphill battle), but the city is cheap on quality of  More

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If you're from the warmer climates, avoid MN in the winter, too cold for a southern boy. Summers are great, warm & not humid at all. Plenty of lakes, rivers, & trails  More

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Over 19 years ago

Minnesotans are friendly and take time to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months. The wonderful summers are greatly appreciated and many companies offer summer  More

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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

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Dude · 
Over 5 years ago

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

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Over 6 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

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