salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,107
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,148
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$53,919
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$234,700
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
90.8
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,459
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$176
$141
👥 People living there
222,771
212,421
Commute to work
21 min
19.5 min
College degree
36.6%
29.7%
Own their home
47.8%
60.5%
Below poverty line
25.7%
15%
Unemployment
9.2%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Baton Rouge for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for higher incomes, cheaper homes, shorter commutes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Baton Rouge | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $33,260 | $56,910 | +71% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $48,710 | $81,810 | +68% in Des Moines |
| Nursing Assistant | $31,220 | $43,940 | +41% in Des Moines |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $15,080 | $20,410 | +35% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $102,070 | $134,560 | +32% in Des Moines |
| Market Research Analyst | $59,680 | $76,580 | +28% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,450 | $46,370 | +27% in Des Moines |
| Medical Assistant | $36,900 | $46,920 | +27% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Baton Rouge or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Baton Rouge and Des Moines cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Baton Rouge?
About $60,609 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Baton Rouge or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $53,919 in Baton Rouge and $71,108 in Des Moines, 24% more in Des Moines.
More comparisons
All Baton Rouge comparisons → · All Des Moines comparisons →