salaryDes Moines is 11% 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
$1,648
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,611
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$81,072
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$304,700
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.1
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,716
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$194
$141
👥 People living there
397,742
212,421
Commute to work
26.6 min
19.5 min
College degree
32.6%
29.7%
Own their home
54.3%
60.5%
Below poverty line
12.9%
15%
Unemployment
5.7%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Arlington for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Arlington | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $48,740 | $61,360 | +26% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $61,250 | $75,040 | +23% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $101,420 | $78,630 | -22% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,510 | $46,370 | +20% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $168,510 | $134,560 | -20% in Des Moines |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $122,520 | $102,070 | -17% in Des Moines |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $24,160 | $20,410 | -16% in Des Moines |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,530 | $43,940 | +14% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Arlington or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,648 in Arlington.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Arlington?
About $53,371 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Arlington or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $81,072 in Arlington and $71,108 in Des Moines, 14% more in Arlington.