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
$2,087
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,000
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$95,305
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$469,100
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
105.8
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,457
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$141
👥 People living there
394,432
212,421
Commute to work
28.6 min
19.5 min
College degree
33.6%
29.7%
Own their home
62.4%
60.5%
Below poverty line
11.9%
15%
Unemployment
5.9%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Aurora 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 | Aurora | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,650 | $20,410 | -49% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $87,980 | $56,910 | -35% in Des Moines |
| Operations Manager | $142,330 | $98,780 | -31% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $177,380 | $134,560 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Market Research Analyst | $99,040 | $76,580 | -23% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $101,130 | $78,630 | -22% in Des Moines |
| Cashier | $37,620 | $29,640 | -21% in Des Moines |
| Accountant | $100,020 | $79,290 | -21% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,087 in Aurora.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Aurora?
About $52,013 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Aurora or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $95,305 in Aurora and $71,108 in Des Moines, 34% more in Aurora.