salaryDes Moines is 15% 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
$3,112
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$141
👥 People living there
666,442
212,421
Commute to work
30.3 min
19.5 min
College degree
54.9%
29.7%
Own their home
35.7%
60.5%
Below poverty line
16.6%
15%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $20,410 | -48% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $61,650 | -37% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $134,560 | -27% in Des Moines |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $98,780 | -26% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $78,630 | -26% in Des Moines |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $76,580 | -25% in Des Moines |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $126,460 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $56,910 | -23% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $50,820 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $71,108 in Des Moines, 48% more in Boston.