salaryDes Moines is 13% 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
$1,651
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,565
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$111,392
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$395,900
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.4
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,982
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$136
$141
👥 People living there
288,976
212,421
Commute to work
18.8 min
19.5 min
College degree
38.7%
29.7%
Own their home
63.9%
60.5%
Below poverty line
8.9%
15%
Unemployment
4.6%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Anchorage for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Anchorage | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $115,290 | $78,630 | -32% in Des Moines |
| Dental Hygienist | $132,740 | $93,660 | -29% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $115,020 | $81,810 | -29% in Des Moines |
| HVAC Technician | $85,620 | $62,640 | -27% in Des Moines |
| Electrician | $82,440 | $62,840 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $82,330 | $63,670 | -23% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,270 | $61,650 | -22% in Des Moines |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,080 | $20,410 | -22% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Anchorage or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,651 in Anchorage.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Anchorage?
About $52,192 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Anchorage or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $111,392 in Anchorage and $71,108 in Des Moines, 57% more in Anchorage.