salaryDes Moines is 8% 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
$1,999
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,921
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$92,376
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$439,600
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.1
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,231
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$128
$141
👥 People living there
505,268
212,421
Commute to work
26.5 min
19.5 min
College degree
59.2%
29.7%
Own their home
46.4%
60.5%
Below poverty line
16.9%
15%
Unemployment
5.9%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Atlanta for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Atlanta | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $60,910 | $81,810 | +34% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $58,380 | $75,040 | +29% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $78,630 | -22% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $50,680 | $61,360 | +21% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $47,300 | $56,910 | +20% in Des Moines |
| Physician Assistant | $111,810 | $133,830 | +20% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $76,570 | $61,650 | -19% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $39,020 | $46,370 | +19% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Atlanta or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,999 in Atlanta.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Atlanta?
About $54,989 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Atlanta or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $92,376 in Atlanta and $71,108 in Des Moines, 30% more in Atlanta.