salaryDes Moines is 16% 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
$2,666
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,805
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$153,270
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$895,000
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.9
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,153
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$101
$141
👥 People living there
236,254
212,421
Commute to work
26.2 min
19.5 min
College degree
77.1%
29.7%
Own their home
41.3%
60.5%
Below poverty line
7.4%
15%
Unemployment
3.3%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Arlington for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Arlington | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $46,040 | $20,410 | -56% in Des Moines |
| Operations Manager | $156,460 | $98,780 | -37% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $195,190 | $134,560 | -31% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $102,710 | $78,630 | -23% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,470 | $61,650 | -22% in Des Moines |
| Accountant | $102,140 | $79,290 | -22% in Des Moines |
| Dental Hygienist | $119,170 | $93,660 | -21% in Des Moines |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $127,040 | $102,070 | -20% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Arlington or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 16% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,666 in Arlington.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Arlington?
About $50,531 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Arlington or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $153,270 in Arlington and $71,108 in Des Moines, 116% more in Arlington.