salaryDes Moines is 9% 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
$2,018
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$141
👥 People living there
411,986
212,421
Commute to work
23.6 min
19.5 min
College degree
23.6%
29.7%
Own their home
60.6%
60.5%
Below poverty line
16.3%
15%
Unemployment
7%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for higher incomes.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 4 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $34,320 | $20,410 | -41% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $128,810 | $78,630 | -39% in Des Moines |
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $133,830 | -32% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,900 | $61,650 | -23% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $72,410 | $56,910 | -21% in Des Moines |
| Nurse Practitioner | $165,580 | $132,230 | -20% in Des Moines |
| Dental Hygienist | $114,380 | $93,660 | -18% in Des Moines |
| Electrician | $75,860 | $62,840 | -17% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,018 in Bakersfield.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $54,537 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $71,108 in Des Moines, 22% more in Bakersfield.
More comparisons
All Bakersfield comparisons → · All Des Moines comparisons →