Brownsville 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
$1,204
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$955
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$56,222
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$139,900
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
86.0
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,349
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$198
$141
👥 People living there
189,177
212,421
Commute to work
21.4 min
19.5 min
College degree
24.5%
29.7%
Own their home
61.7%
60.5%
Below poverty line
23.7%
15%
Unemployment
6.2%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Brownsville for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Des Moines for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Brownsville | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $35,640 | $61,360 | +72% in Des Moines |
| Market Research Analyst | $47,320 | $76,580 | +62% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $46,850 | $75,040 | +60% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $56,820 | $81,810 | +44% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $32,300 | $46,370 | +44% in Des Moines |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,110 | $43,940 | +37% in Des Moines |
| Electrician | $46,080 | $62,840 | +36% in Des Moines |
| Medical Assistant | $34,960 | $46,920 | +34% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Brownsville or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Brownsville is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,204 a month there versus $1,266 in Des Moines.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Brownsville?
About $63,996 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Brownsville or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $56,222 in Brownsville and $71,108 in Des Moines, 21% more in Des Moines.
More comparisons
All Brownsville comparisons → · All Des Moines comparisons →