salaryDes Moines is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Des Moines to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,401
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,284
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$73,680
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$291,500
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,678
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$94
$141
👥 People living there
562,218
212,421
Commute to work
22.4 min
19.5 min
College degree
39.2%
29.7%
Own their home
61.8%
60.5%
Below poverty line
15.5%
15%
Unemployment
5.4%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Albuquerque for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Albuquerque | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $38,050 | $20,410 | -46% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $42,420 | $56,910 | +34% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $37,230 | $46,370 | +25% in Des Moines |
| Market Research Analyst | $62,040 | $76,580 | +23% in Des Moines |
| Medical Assistant | $39,200 | $46,920 | +20% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $75,520 | $61,650 | -18% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $96,040 | $78,630 | -18% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $63,900 | $75,040 | +17% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albuquerque or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,401 in Albuquerque.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Albuquerque?
About $57,585 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Albuquerque or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $73,680 in Albuquerque and $71,108 in Des Moines, 4% more in Albuquerque.
More comparisons
All Albuquerque comparisons → · All Des Moines comparisons →