71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Des Moines wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Des Moines wins 1–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Des Moines is more affordable
💼 Des Moines has lower unemployment
🛡️ Des Moines has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Des Moines — The Verdict
Des Moines scores 72.8/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Des Moines has a clear edge with home prices 27% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Des Moines has a notably lower disaster history with 11 fewer declarations in 20 years. Des Moines may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Des Moines are 27% lower — a difference of $64,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Des Moines saves you $240/month — that's $2,880 per year.
📊
Des Moines has a 0.8 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 44 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Des Moines has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$170,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$995
Median Income
$60,440
$62,378
The affordability gap is significant — Des Moines offers home prices 27% lower than Houston, translating to $64,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Des Moines having a slight edge at 3.5% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
56 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 44 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
10
Des Moines has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Des Moines: Common Questions
Is Houston or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is more affordable overall. Home prices are $64,300 lower in Des Moines. Monthly rent is $995 in Des Moines vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Des Moines have better weather?
Des Moines scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Des Moines better for finding a job?
Des Moines currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.5% in Des Moines. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $62,378 in Des Moines.
Which city is safer — Houston or Des Moines?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Des Moines is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Des Moines. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Des Moines.
Should I move from Houston to Des Moines?
Based on our data, Des Moines scores 72.8/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Des Moines is more affordable, while Des Moines has a better climate.
Planning to move from Houston to Des Moines?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.