salaryDes Moines is 6% 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
$1,881
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,690
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$88,510
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$385,700
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,808
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$126
$141
👥 People living there
903,844
212,421
Commute to work
24.7 min
19.5 min
College degree
48%
29.7%
Own their home
51%
60.5%
Below poverty line
11.7%
15%
Unemployment
4.6%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Charlotte for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Charlotte | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $38,700 | $56,910 | +47% in Des Moines |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,430 | $20,410 | -44% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $63,190 | $81,810 | +29% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $58,690 | $75,040 | +28% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $50,960 | $61,360 | +20% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,850 | $46,370 | +19% in Des Moines |
| Accountant | $92,910 | $79,290 | -15% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $157,180 | $134,560 | -14% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlotte or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,881 in Charlotte.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Charlotte?
About $56,519 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Charlotte or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $88,510 in Charlotte and $71,108 in Des Moines, 24% more in Charlotte.