2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Tahlequah, OK vs Des Moines, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Tahlequah?
- Des Moines is 12.8% more expensive than Tahlequah.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or Tahlequah?
- Des Moines housing costs are 45.6% more expensive than Tahlequah housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Tahlequah or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 7.1% less in Des Moines.
 Tahlequah, OKDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries92.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing39.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$175,700$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.7100
 Miscellaneous86.7  Unlock100
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 Tahlequah    4 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

I moved here for school and do not like this town very much. I can't believe that a town of this size doesn't have sidewalks! The best option for a student to live here  More

   |    Reply

Summers in Tahlequah are usually very hot and rather dry (July and August). Most summer days reach the 90s and sometimes the 100s. Winters can be cold but usually only  More

   |    Reply

Tahlequah, is a small town in Northeastern Oklahoma nearest to the state of Arkansas. Cost of living here is one of the lowest in the nation and being an affordable  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Tahlequah

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 5 years ago

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    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.