salaryDes Moines is 6% 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
$1,932
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$141
👥 People living there
979,539
212,421
Commute to work
23.7 min
19.5 min
College degree
59.6%
29.7%
Own their home
43.4%
60.5%
Below poverty line
12%
15%
Unemployment
4.7%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin 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 | Austin | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $20,410 | -25% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $61,360 | +22% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,530 | $46,370 | +20% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $97,890 | $78,630 | -20% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $62,810 | $75,040 | +19% in Des Moines |
| Operations Manager | $117,850 | $98,780 | -16% in Des Moines |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | $43,940 | +14% in Des Moines |
| Cashier | $33,940 | $29,640 | -13% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,932 in Austin.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $56,106 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Austin or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $71,108 in Des Moines, 42% more in Austin.