2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Madison, 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 Madison?
- West Des Moines is 16.2% less expensive than Madison.

Which city has more affordable housing, West Des Moines or Madison?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 18.7% less expensive than Madison housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Madison or is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 10.2% more in West Des Moines.
 Madison, WIWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall103.486.6100
 Food & Groceries97.999.7100
 Health92.9102.4100
 Housing112.791.6100
 Median Home Cost$337,500$282,300$338,100
 Utilities10,750.0%8,930.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation85.871.3100
 Miscellaneous133.0112.5100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 15 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 15 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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