2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
La Crosse, WI vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in La Crosse?
- West Des Moines is 3.2% less expensive than La Crosse.

Which city has more affordable housing, West Des Moines or La Crosse?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 35.9% more expensive than La Crosse housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in La Crosse or is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 7.5% less in West Des Moines.
 La Crosse, WIWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries92.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing67.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$282,300$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock71.3100
 Miscellaneous130.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for La Crosse    17 Reviews

Beth · 
Over 4 years ago

My family recently relocated here from the west coast. This town is a hidden gem. If you like hiking, biking, festivals, nightlife and river life, you’ll love LAX. While  More

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Over 4 years ago

This city sucks. First off, the people born and raised here think its great, but its a small little dump tbh. Very clicky and there nothing to do besides drinking at the  More

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I have lived in La Crosse for almost 30 years. Its basically a dying town. Their is not much of a future hear unless you like fish fry's on Friday night or going to  More

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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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