salaryDes Moines is 4% 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
$1,397
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,121
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$53,969
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$164,200
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.8
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,622
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$99
$141
👥 People living there
276,854
212,421
Commute to work
19.9 min
19.5 min
College degree
31.2%
29.7%
Own their home
43%
60.5%
Below poverty line
26%
15%
Unemployment
7.3%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Buffalo for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Buffalo | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $46,580 | $20,410 | -56% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $74,470 | $56,910 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $99,060 | $78,630 | -21% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $76,490 | $61,650 | -19% in Des Moines |
| Electrician | $77,930 | $62,840 | -19% in Des Moines |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,470 | $93,660 | +14% in Des Moines |
| Cashier | $33,850 | $29,640 | -12% in Des Moines |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,790 | $43,940 | +10% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,397 in Buffalo.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Buffalo?
About $57,406 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Buffalo or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $53,969 in Buffalo and $71,108 in Des Moines, 24% more in Des Moines.