salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,537
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,305
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$69,588
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$283,200
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.5
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,265
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$139
$141
👥 People living there
185,783
212,421
Commute to work
18.5 min
19.5 min
College degree
36%
29.7%
Own their home
52.4%
60.5%
Below poverty line
19.1%
15%
Unemployment
5.4%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chattanooga for shorter commutes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chattanooga | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $51,330 | $81,810 | +59% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $58,720 | $75,040 | +28% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $46,060 | $56,910 | +24% in Des Moines |
| HVAC Technician | $50,950 | $62,640 | +23% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $37,830 | $46,370 | +23% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $50,760 | $61,360 | +21% in Des Moines |
| Software Developer | $106,750 | $126,460 | +18% in Des Moines |
| Medical Assistant | $40,160 | $46,920 | +17% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chattanooga or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Chattanooga and Des Moines cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Chattanooga?
About $60,155 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Chattanooga or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $69,588 in Chattanooga and $71,108 in Des Moines, 2% more in Des Moines.
More comparisons
All Chattanooga comparisons → · All Des Moines comparisons →