salaryDes Moines is 7% 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
$1,711
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,537
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$90,490
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$484,800
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.4
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,883
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$93
$141
👥 People living there
237,242
212,421
Commute to work
18.9 min
19.5 min
College degree
47.5%
29.7%
Own their home
63.2%
60.5%
Below poverty line
10.6%
15%
Unemployment
3.6%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Boise City for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boise City | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,830 | $20,410 | -43% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $56,940 | $75,040 | +32% in Des Moines |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $81,280 | $102,070 | +26% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $76,280 | $56,910 | -25% in Des Moines |
| Market Research Analyst | $62,380 | $76,580 | +23% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $109,780 | $134,560 | +23% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $50,850 | $61,360 | +21% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $97,880 | $78,630 | -20% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boise City or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,711 in Boise City.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Boise City?
About $55,920 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Boise City or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $90,490 in Boise City and $71,108 in Des Moines, 27% more in Boise City.