Des Moines Is Slightly Below Average. Chicago Midway Is $69 Cheaper.

Iowa has one airport in the national top 100 for passenger volume, and it ranks reasonably well for domestic airfare costs. Only In Your State analyzed recently released Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, and Des Moines International Airport (DSM) averaged $380.79 per domestic ticket in 2025—ranking 43rd most affordable nationally.

That's $6.21 below the national average of $387, a modest but real advantage for Iowa's capital city travelers. Des Moines isn't among the nation's bargains, but it outperforms the midpoint and compares favorably to its Midwest neighbors.

Iowa in a Regional Context

Compared to other Midwestern airports, Des Moines performs well. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP), the closest major hub in the region, averaged $422.93—ranking 78th nationally for affordability and $42.14 more expensive than DSM. Kansas City International (MCI) averaged $422.15—ranking slightly ahead of MSP at 77th nationally, but still significantly pricier than Des Moines.

The strongest regional alternative for Iowa travelers is Chicago Midway (MDW), ranked 9th nationally at $312.18—$68.61 cheaper than Des Moines. At roughly 330 miles from Des Moines, it's not a casual alternative, but for families or frequent travelers, the fare difference can justify the drive on the right trip.

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) at $374.28 is another option that's slightly cheaper than Des Moines and offers significantly more nonstop routes—useful when your destination doesn't have direct service from DSM.

Planning Your Iowa Departure

Des Moines International ranked 77th nationally for passenger volume, which means it has enough carrier presence for competitive fares without the massive route network of a major hub. That balance produces the near-average fares reflected in the data.

For Iowa travelers, the practical advice is straightforward: DSM is a solid home airport that outperforms many alternatives in the Midwest. When the trip matters enough to explore alternatives, Chicago's airports are accessible and significantly cheaper on average.

When Driving to Chicago Makes Financial Sense

For solo travelers, the time and gas required to drive to Chicago Midway or O'Hare may outweigh the ticket savings. However, for families, couples, or group trips where you are purchasing three or four tickets at once, saving nearly $70 per person quickly adds up to several hundred dollars in total travel savings—more than covering the cost of fuel and airport parking.

Strategic Tips for Booking out of Des Moines

If you prefer to stick closer to home, you don't always have to drive out of state to catch a deal at DSM. Keeping your travel dates flexible and monitoring low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, or Southwest—all of which serve Des Moines—can help you score domestic rates well below the airport's $380.79 annual average.

This data reflects 2025 averages from the Department of Transportation, released in May 2026. Current fares may be higher due to rising jet fuel costs. Knowing how to find cheap flights can help Iowa travelers find value at any departure airport.

To get the most from your next departure, explore how to find cheap flights and unexpected ways to cut travel costs to help stretch your budget further once you've already got a head start.

To see how every major airport in the country compares—plus the full methodology behind the data—explore the complete U.S. Airport Cost Rankings for 2026.