salaryDes Moines is 12% 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
$1,619
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,479
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$67,058
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$229,600
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
104.5
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,354
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$141
👥 People living there
573,243
212,421
Commute to work
29.1 min
19.5 min
College degree
36.1%
29.7%
Own their home
47.5%
60.5%
Below poverty line
19.7%
15%
Unemployment
6.5%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Baltimore for a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Baltimore | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,170 | $20,410 | -44% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $73,810 | $56,910 | -23% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $99,550 | $78,630 | -21% in Des Moines |
| Dental Hygienist | $116,130 | $93,660 | -19% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $76,400 | $61,650 | -19% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $63,200 | $75,040 | +19% in Des Moines |
| Operations Manager | $117,040 | $98,780 | -16% in Des Moines |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $74,860 | $63,670 | -15% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Baltimore or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,619 in Baltimore.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Baltimore?
About $52,658 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Baltimore or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $67,058 in Baltimore and $71,108 in Des Moines, 6% more in Des Moines.